Conversion of biomass to useful intermediates

ABSTRACT

An aspect of the present disclosure is a microbial cell that includes a genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous dioxygenase, and a gene encoding an exogenous dioxygenase and a promoter sequence, where the endogenous dioxygenase includes PcaH and PcaG, the exogenous dioxygenase includes LigA and LigB, the microbial cell is capable of growth utilizing at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and the microbial cell is capable of producing 2-hydroxy-2H-pyran-4,6-dicarboxylic acid.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 121 to U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 15/467,761 filed on Mar. 23, 2017 which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/312,065 filed Mar. 23, 2016, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

CONTRACTUAL ORIGIN

The United States Government has rights in this disclosure under Contract No. DE-AC36-08G028308 between the United States Department of Energy and Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC, the Manager and Operator of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted via EFS-web and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The ASCII copy as filed herewith was originally created on Mar. 23, 2017 and was submitted with the filing of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 15/467,761 filed on Mar. 23, 2017, from which the present application claims priority to under 35 U.S.C. 121. The ASCII copy as filed herewith is named 14-45A_ST25.txt, is 235 kilobytes in size and is submitted with the instant application and contains no new matter over the sequence listing named 14-45_ST25.txt filed with U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 15/467,761 filed on Mar. 23, 2017.

BACKGROUND

Many petrochemicals and polymers are manufactured by environmentally unfriendly processes that produce significant amounts of waste (e.g. adipic acid manufacturing requires HNO₃-oxidation of cyclohexanol/cyclohexane, resulting in massive amounts of green-house gas emissions). Since petrochemical manufacturing requires such energy intensive, environmentally damaging processes, there is clearly a need for new approaches that produce petrochemical replacements from renewable feedstocks such as lignocellulose.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure is a microbial cell that includes a genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous dioxygenase, and a gene encoding an exogenous dioxygenase and a promoter sequence, where the endogenous dioxygenase includes PcaH (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:29, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:30) and PcaG (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:31, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:32), the exogenous dioxygenase includes LigA (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:2) and LigB (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:3, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:4), the microbial cell is capable of growth utilizing at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and the microbial cell is capable of producing 2-hydroxy-2H-pyran-4,6-dicarboxylic acid.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a microbial cell that includes a genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous dioxygenase and a gene encoding an exogenous dioxygenase, an exogenous dehydrogenase, and a promoter sequence, where the endogenous dioxygenase includes PcaH and PcaG, the exogenous dioxygenase includes LigA and LigB, the exogenous dehydrogenase includes LigC (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:5, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:6), the microbial cell is capable of growth utilizing at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and the microbial cell is capable of producing 2-oxo-2H-pyran-4,6-dicarboxylic acid.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a microbial cell that includes a first genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous dioxygenase, a second genetic modification resulting in the expression of deficient forms of an endogenous tautomerase, an endogenous hydratase, and an endogenous decarboxylase, and a gene encoding an exogenous dioxygenase, an exogenous dehydrogenase, an exogenous hydrolase, and a promoter sequence, where the endogenous dioxygenase includes PcaH and PcaG, the endogenous tautomerase, the endogenous hydratase, and the endogenous decarboxylase include GalD (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:15, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:16), GalB (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:17, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:18), and GalC (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:19, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:20)respectively, the exogenous dioxygenase includes LigA and LigB, the exogenous dehydrogenase includes LigC, the exogenous hydrolase includes LigI (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:7, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:8), the microbial cell is capable of growth utilizing at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and the microbial cell is capable of producing (1E, 3E)-4-hydroxybuta-1,3-diene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a microbial cell that includes a first genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous dioxygenase, a second genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous tautomerase, an endogenous hydratase, and an endogenous decarboxylase, and a gene encoding an exogenous dioxygenase, an exogenous dehydrogenase, an exogenous hydrolase, an exogenous tautomerase, and a promoter sequence, where the endogenous dioxygenase includes PcaH and PcaG, the endogenous tautomerase, the endogenous hydratase, and the endogenous decarboxylase include GalD, GalB, and GalC respectively, the exogenous dioxygenase includes LigA and LigB, the exogenous dehydrogenase includes LigC, the exogenous hydrolase includes LigI, the exogenous tautomerase includes LigU (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:9, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:10), the microbial cell is capable of growth utilizing at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and the microbial cell is capable of producing (1E)-4-oxobut-1-ene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a microbial cell that includes a first genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous dioxygenase, a second genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous tautomerase, an endogenous hydratase, and an endogenous decarboxylase, and a gene encoding an exogenous dioxygenase, an exogenous dehydrogenase, an exogenous hydrolase, an exogenous tautomerase, an exogenous hydratase, and a promoter sequence, where the endogenous dioxygenase includes PcaH and PcaG, the endogenous tautomerase, the endogenous hydratase, and the endogenous decarboxylase include GalD, GalB, and GalC respectively, the exogenous dioxygenase includes LigA and LigB, the exogenous dehydrogenase includes LigC, the exogenous hydrolase includes LigI, the exogenous tautomerase includes LigU, the exogenous hydratase includes LigJ (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:11, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:12), the microbial cell is capable of growth utilizing at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and the microbial cell is capable of producing 2-hydroxy-4-oxobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a microbial cell that includes a genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous enol-lactonase, a deficient form of an endogenous decarboxylase, and a deficient form of an endogenous cycloisomerase, where the endogenous enol-lactonase includes PcaD (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:37, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:38), the endogenous decarboxylase includes PcaC (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:35, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:36), the endogenous cycloisomerase includes PcaB (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:33, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:34), the microbial cell is capable of growth utilizing at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and the microbial cell is capable of producing (1E,3Z)-buta-1,3-diene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a microbial cell that includes a genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous enol-lactonase and a deficient form of an endogenous decarboxylase, where the endogenous enol-lactonase includes PcaD, the endogenous decarboxylase includes PcaC, the microbial cell is capable of growth utilizing at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and the microbial cell is capable of producing 2-carboxy-5-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-carboxylic acid.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a microbial cell that includes a genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous enol-lactonase, where the endogenous enol-lactonase includes PcaD, the microbial cell is capable of growth utilizing at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and the microbial cell is capable of producing 2-(2-oxo-3H-furan-5-yl)acetic acid.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a microbial cell that includes a genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous transferase, where the endogenous transferase includes Pcal (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:39, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:40) and PcaJ (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:41, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:42), the microbial cell is capable of growth utilizing at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and the microbial cell is capable of producing 3-oxohexanedioic acid.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a microbial cell that includes a genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous dioxygenase and a gene encoding an exogenous dioxygenase and a promoter sequence, where the endogenous dioxygenase includes PcaH and PcaG, the exogenous dioxygenase includes PraA, the microbial cell is capable of growth utilizing at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and the microbial cell is capable of producing (2E,4E)-2-formyl-5-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienedioic acid.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a microbial cell that includes a first genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of a first endogenous dioxygenase, a second genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of a second endogenous dioxygenase, a third genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous muconate cycloisomerase, a deficient form of an endogenous muconolactone isomerase, and a deficient form of a third endogenous dioxygenase, a first gene encoding a first exogenous dioxygenase, an exogenous decarboxylase, and a first promoter sequence, and a second gene encoding a second exogenous dioxygenase and a second promoter sequence, where the first endogenous dioxygenase includes PcaH and PcaG, the second endogenous dioxygenase includes CatA2 (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:23, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:24), the endogenous muconate cycloisomerase includes CatB (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:25, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:26), the endogenous muconolactone isomerase includes CatC (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:27, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:28), the third endogenous dioxygenase includes CatA (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:21, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:22), the first exogenous dioxygenase includes PraA, the exogenous decarboxylase includes PraH (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:47, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:48), the second exogenous dioxygenase includes XylE, the microbial cell is capable of growth utilizing at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and the microbial cell is capable of producing (2Z, 4E)-2-hydroxy-6-oxohexa-2,4-dienoic acid.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a microbial cell that includes a first genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of a first endogenous dioxygenase, a second genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of a second endogenous dioxygenase, a third genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous muconate cycloisomerase, a deficient form of an endogenous muconolactone isomerase, and a deficient form of a third endogenous dioxygenase, a first gene encoding a first exogenous dioxygenase, an exogenous decarboxylase, and a first promoter sequence, and a second gene encoding a second exogenous dioxygenase, an exogenous dehydrogenase, and a second promoter sequence, where the first endogenous dioxygenase includes PcaH and PcaG, the second endogenous dioxygenase includes CatA2, the endogenous muconate cycloisomerase includes CatB, the endogenous muconolactone isomerase includes CatC, the third endogenous dioxygenase includes CatA, the first exogenous dioxygenase includes PraA (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:45, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:46), the exogenous decarboxylase includes PraH, the second exogenous dioxygenase includes XylE (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:49, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:50), the exogenous dehydrogenase includes XylG (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:53, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:54), the microbial cell is capable of growth utilizing at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and the microbial cell is capable of producing (2Z,4E)-2-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienedioic acid.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a microbial cell that includes a first genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of a first endogenous dioxygenase, a second genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of a second endogenous dioxygenase, a third genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous muconate cycloisomerase, a deficient form of an endogenous muconolactone isomerase, and a deficient form of a third endogenous dioxygenase, a first gene encoding a first exogenous dioxygenase, an exogenous decarboxylase, and a first promoter sequence, and a second gene encoding a second exogenous dioxygenase, an exogenous dehydrogenase, an exogenous tautomerase, and a second promoter sequence, where the first endogenous dioxygenase comprises PcaH and PcaG, the second endogenous dioxygenase includes CatA2, the endogenous muconate cycloisomerase includes CatB, the endogenous muconolactone isomerase includes CatC, the third endogenous dioxygenase includes CatA, the first exogenous dioxygenase includes PraA, the exogenous decarboxylase includes PraH, the second exogenous dioxygenase includes XylE, the exogenous dehydrogenase includes XylG, the exogenous tautomerase includes XylH (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:55, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:56), the microbial cell is capable of growth utilizing at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and the microbial cell is capable of producing (3E)-2-oxohex-3-enedioic acid.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a microbial cell that includes a first genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of a first endogenous dioxygenase, a second genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of a second endogenous dioxygenase, a third genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous muconate cycloisomerase, a deficient form of an endogenous muconolactone isomerase, and a deficient form of a third endogenous dioxygenase, a first gene encoding a first exogenous dioxygenase, an exogenous decarboxylase, and a first promoter sequence, and a second gene encoding a second exogenous dioxygenase, an exogenous hydrolase, and a second promoter sequence, where the first endogenous dioxygenase includes PcaH and PcaG, the second endogenous dioxygenase includes CatA2, the endogenous muconate cycloisomerase includes CatB, the endogenous muconolactone isomerase includes CatC, the third endogenous dioxygenase includes CatA, the first exogenous dioxygenase includes PraA, the exogenous decarboxylase includes PraH, the second exogenous dioxygenase includes XylE, the exogenous hydrolase includes XylF (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:51, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:52), the microbial cell is capable of growth utilizing at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and the microbial cell is capable of producing (2E)-2-hydroxypenta-2,4-dienoic acid.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a microbial cell that includes a first genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of a first endogenous dioxygenase, a second genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of a second endogenous dioxygenase, a third genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous muconate cycloisomerase, a deficient form of an endogenous muconolactone isomerase, and a deficient form of a third endogenous dioxygenase, a first gene encoding a first exogenous dioxygenase, an exogenous decarboxylase, and a first promoter sequence, and a second gene encoding a second exogenous dioxygenase, an exogenous dehydrogenase, an exogenous tautomerase, an exogenous hydrolase, an exogenous hydratase, an exogenous decarboxylase, and a second promoter sequence, where the first endogenous dioxygenase includes PcaH and PcaG, the second endogenous dioxygenase includes CatA2, the endogenous muconate cycloisomerase includes CatB, the endogenous muconolactone isomerase includes CatC, the third endogenous dioxygenase includes CatA, the first exogenous dioxygenase includes PraA, the exogenous decarboxylase includes PraH, the second exogenous dioxygenase includes XylE, the exogenous dehydrogenase includes XylG, the exogenous tautomerase includes XylH, the exogenous hydrolase includes XylF, the exogenous hydratase includes XylJ (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:59, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:60), the exogenous decarboxylase includes XylI (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:57, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:58), the microbial cell is capable of growth utilizing at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and the microbial cell is capable of producing 4-hydroxy-2-oxopentanoic acid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of protocatechuate and catechol degradation pathways and the 15 molecules targeted for production by the engineered strains described herein, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates reactions of molecules #10 and #11 in the presence of ammonium to produce molecules #10a and #11a respectively, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3 through 6 illustrate MS-MS data validating the production of molecules #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14, and #15 by engineered microorganisms as described herein, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure may address one or more of the problems and deficiencies of the prior art discussed above. However, it is contemplated that some embodiments as disclosed herein may prove useful in addressing other problems and deficiencies in a number of technical areas. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed herein.

A “vector” or “recombinant vector” is a nucleic acid molecule that is used as a tool for manipulating a nucleic acid sequence of choice or for introducing such a nucleic acid sequence into a host cell. A vector may be suitable for use in cloning, sequencing, or otherwise manipulating one or more nucleic acid sequences of choice, such as by expressing or delivering the nucleic acid sequence(s) of choice into a host cell to form a recombinant cell. Such a vector typically contains heterologous nucleic acid sequences not naturally found adjacent to a nucleic acid sequence of choice, although the vector can also contain regulatory nucleic acid sequences (e.g., promoters, untranslated regions) that are naturally found adjacent to the nucleic acid sequences of choice or that are useful for expression of the nucleic acid molecules.

A vector can be either RNA or DNA, either prokaryotic or eukaryotic, and typically is a plasmid. The vector can be maintained as an extrachromosomal element (e.g., a plasmid) or it can be integrated into the chromosome of a recombinant host cell. The entire vector can remain in place within a host cell, or under certain conditions, the plasmid DNA can be deleted, leaving behind the nucleic acid molecule of choice. An integrated nucleic acid molecule can be under chromosomal promoter control, under native or plasmid promoter control, or under a combination of several promoter controls. Single or multiple copies of the nucleic acid molecule can be integrated into the chromosome. A recombinant vector can contain at least one selectable marker.

The term “expression vector” refers to a recombinant vector that is capable of directing the expression of a nucleic acid sequence that has been cloned into it after insertion into a host cell or other (e.g., cell-free) expression system. A nucleic acid sequence is “expressed” when it is transcribed to yield an mRNA sequence. In most cases, this transcript will be translated to yield an amino acid sequence. The cloned gene is usually placed under the control of (i.e., operably linked to) an expression control sequence. The phrase “operatively linked” refers to linking a nucleic acid molecule to an expression control sequence in a manner such that the molecule can be expressed when introduced (i.e., transformed, transduced, transfected, conjugated or conduced) into a host cell.

Vectors and expression vectors may contain one or more regulatory sequences or expression control sequences. Regulatory sequences broadly encompass expression control sequences (e.g., transcription control sequences or translation control sequences), as well as sequences that allow for vector replication in a host cell. Transcription control sequences are sequences that control the initiation, elongation, or termination of transcription. Suitable regulatory sequences include any sequence that can function in a host cell or organism into which the recombinant nucleic acid molecule is to be introduced, including those that control transcription initiation, such as promoter, enhancer, terminator, operator and repressor sequences. Additional regulatory sequences include translation regulatory sequences, origins of replication, and other regulatory sequences that are compatible with the recombinant cell. The expression vectors may contain elements that allow for constitutive expression or inducible expression of the protein or proteins of interest. Numerous inducible and constitutive expression systems are known in the art.

Typically, an expression vector includes at least one nucleic acid molecule of interest operatively linked to one or more expression control sequences (e.g., transcription control sequences or translation control sequences). In one aspect, an expression vector may comprise a nucleic acid encoding a recombinant polypeptide, as described herein, operably linked to at least one regulatory sequence. It should be understood that the design of the expression vector may depend on such factors as the choice of the host cell to be transformed and/or the type of polypeptide to be expressed.

Expression and recombinant vectors may contain a selectable marker, a gene encoding a protein necessary for survival or growth of a host cell transformed with the vector. The presence of this gene allows growth of only those host cells that express the vector when grown in the appropriate selective media. Typical selection genes encode proteins that confer resistance to antibiotics or other toxic substances, complement auxotrophic deficiencies, or supply critical nutrients not available from a particular media. Markers may be an inducible or non-inducible gene and will generally allow for positive selection. Non-limiting examples of selectable markers include the ampicillin resistance marker (i.e., beta-lactamase), tetracycline resistance marker, neomycin/kanamycin resistance marker (i.e., neomycin phosphotransferase), dihydrofolate reductase, glutamine synthetase, and the like. The choice of the proper selectable marker will depend on the host cell, and appropriate markers for different hosts as understood by those of skill in the art.

Suitable expression vectors may include (or may be derived from) plasmid vectors that are well known in the art, such as those commonly available from commercial sources. Vectors can contain one or more replication and inheritance systems for cloning or expression, one or more markers for selection in the host, and one or more expression cassettes. The inserted coding sequences can be synthesized by standard methods, isolated from natural sources, or prepared as hybrids. Ligation of the coding sequences to transcriptional regulatory elements or to other amino acid encoding sequences can be carried out using established methods. A large number of vectors, including bacterial, yeast, and mammalian vectors, have been described for replication and/or expression in various host cells or cell-free systems, and may be used with the sequences described herein for simple cloning or protein expression.

SEQ ID NOS: 1-66 provide nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for exemplary enzymes for use in the disclosed methods. “Nucleic acid” or “polynucleotide” as used herein refers to purine- and pyrimidine-containing polymers of any length, either polyribonucleotides or polydeoxyribonucleotide or mixed polyribo-polydeoxyribonucleotides. This includes single-and double-stranded molecules (i.e., DNA-DNA, DNA-RNA and RNA-RNA hybrids) as well as “protein nucleic acids” (PNA) formed by conjugating bases to an amino acid backbone. This also includes nucleic acids containing modified bases.

Nucleic acids referred to herein as “isolated” are nucleic acids that have been removed from their natural milieu or separated away from the nucleic acids of the genomic DNA or cellular RNA of their source of origin (e.g., as it exists in cells or in a mixture of nucleic acids such as a library), and may have undergone further processing. Isolated nucleic acids include nucleic acids obtained by methods described herein, similar methods or other suitable methods, including essentially pure nucleic acids, nucleic acids produced by chemical synthesis, by combinations of biological and chemical methods, and recombinant nucleic acids that are isolated.

Nucleic acids referred to herein as “recombinant” are nucleic acids which have been produced by recombinant DNA methodology, including those nucleic acids that are generated by procedures that rely upon a method of artificial replication, such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or cloning or assembling into a vector using restriction enzymes. Recombinant nucleic acids also include those that result from recombination events that occur through the natural mechanisms of cells, but are selected for after the introduction to the cells of nucleic acids designed to allow or make probable a desired recombination event. Portions of isolated nucleic acids that code for polypeptides having a certain function can be identified and isolated by, for example, the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,952,501.

A nucleic acid molecule or polynucleotide can include a naturally occurring nucleic acid molecule that has been isolated from its natural source or produced using recombinant DNA technology (e.g., polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, cloning) or chemical synthesis. Isolated nucleic acid molecules can include, for example, genes, natural allelic variants of genes, coding regions or portions thereof, and coding and/or regulatory regions modified by nucleotide insertions, deletions, substitutions, and/or inversions in a manner such that the modifications do not substantially interfere with the nucleic acid molecule's ability to encode a polypeptide or to form stable hybrids under stringent conditions with natural gene isolates. An isolated nucleic acid molecule can include degeneracies. As used herein, nucleotide degeneracy refers to the phenomenon that one amino acid can be encoded by different nucleotide codons. Thus, the nucleic acid sequence of a nucleic acid molecule that encodes a protein or polypeptide can vary due to degeneracies.

Unless so specified, a nucleic acid molecule is not required to encode a protein having enzyme activity. A nucleic acid molecule can encode a truncated, mutated or inactive protein, for example. In addition, nucleic acid molecules may also be useful as probes and primers for the identification, isolation and/or purification of other nucleic acid molecules, independent of a protein-encoding function.

Suitable nucleic acids include fragments or variants that encode a functional enzyme. For example, a fragment can comprise the minimum nucleotides required to encode a functional enzyme. Nucleic acid variants include nucleic acids with one or more nucleotide additions, deletions, substitutions, including transitions and transversions, insertion, or modifications (e.g., via RNA or DNA analogs). Alterations may occur at the 5′ or 3′ terminal positions of the reference nucleotide sequence or anywhere between those terminal positions, interspersed either individually among the nucleotides in the reference sequence or in one or more contiguous groups within the reference sequence.

In certain embodiments, a nucleic acid may be identical to a sequence represented herein. In other embodiments, the nucleic acids may be at least about 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to a sequence represented herein, or 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to a sequences represented herein. Sequence identity calculations can be performed using computer programs, hybridization methods, or calculations. Exemplary computer program methods to determine identity and similarity between two sequences include, but are not limited to, the GCG program package, BLASTN, BLASTX, TBLASTX, and FASTA. The BLAST programs are publicly available from NCBI and other sources. For example, nucleotide sequence identity can be determined by comparing query sequences to sequences in publicly available sequence databases (NCBI) using the BLASTN2 algorithm.

Nucleic acids may be derived from a variety of sources including DNA, cDNA, synthetic DNA, synthetic RNA, or combinations thereof. Such sequences may comprise genomic DNA, which may or may not include naturally occurring introns. Moreover, such genomic DNA may be obtained in association with promoter regions or poly (A) sequences. The sequences, genomic DNA, or cDNA may be obtained in any of several ways. Genomic DNA can be extracted and purified from suitable cells by means well known in the art. Alternatively, mRNA can be isolated from a cell and used to produce cDNA by reverse transcription or other means.

Also disclosed herein are recombinant vectors, including expression vectors, containing nucleic acids encoding enzymes. A “recombinant vector” is a nucleic acid molecule that is used as a tool for manipulating a nucleic acid sequence of choice or for introducing such a nucleic acid sequence into a host cell. A recombinant vector may be suitable for use in cloning, assembling, sequencing, or otherwise manipulating the nucleic acid sequence of choice, such as by expressing or delivering the nucleic acid sequence of choice into a host cell to form a recombinant cell. Such a vector typically contains heterologous nucleic acid sequences not naturally found adjacent to a nucleic acid sequence of choice, although the vector can also contain regulatory nucleic acid sequences (e.g., promoters, untranslated regions) that are naturally found adjacent to the nucleic acid sequences of choice or that are useful for expression of the nucleic acid molecules.

The nucleic acids described herein may be used in methods for production of enzymes and enzyme cocktails through incorporation into cells, tissues, or organisms. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid may be incorporated into a vector for expression in suitable host cells. The vector may then be introduced into one or more host cells by any method known in the art. One method to produce an encoded protein includes transforming a host cell with one or more recombinant nucleic acids (such as expression vectors) to form a recombinant cell. The term “transformation” is generally used herein to refer to any method by which an exogenous nucleic acid molecule (i.e., a recombinant nucleic acid molecule) can be inserted into a cell, but can be used interchangeably with the term “transfection.”

Non-limiting examples of suitable host cells include cells from microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, fungi, and filamentous fungi. Exemplary microorganisms include, but are not limited to, bacteria such as E. coli; bacteria from the genera Pseudomonas (e.g., P. putida or P. fluorescens), Bacillus (e.g., B. subtilis, B. megaterium or B. brevis), Caulobacter (e.g., C. crescentus), Lactoccocus (e.g., L. lactis), Streptomyces (e.g., S. coelicolor), Streptococcus (e.g., S. lividans), and Corynybacterium (e.g., C. glutamicum); fungi from the genera Trichoderma (e.g., T. reesei, T viride, T. koningii, or T. harzianum), Penicillium (e.g., P. funiculosum), Humicola (e.g., H. insolens), Chrysosporium (e.g., C. lucknowense), Gliocladium, Aspergillus (e.g., A. niger, A. nidulans, A. awamori, or A. aculeatus), Fusarium, Neurospora, Hypocrea (e.g., H. jecorina), and Emericella; yeasts from the genera Saccharomyces (e.g., S. cerevisiae), Pichia (e.g., P. pastoris), or Kluyveromyces (e.g., K. lactis). Cells from plants such as Arabidopsis, barley, citrus, cotton, maize, poplar, rice, soybean, sugarcane, wheat, switch grass, alfalfa, miscanthus, and trees such as hardwoods and softwoods are also contemplated herein as host cells.

Host cells can be transformed, transfected, or infected as appropriate by any suitable method including electroporation, calcium chloride-, lithium chloride-, lithium acetate/polyene glycol-, calcium phosphate-, DEAE-dextran-, liposome-mediated DNA uptake, spheroplasting, injection, microinjection, microprojectile bombardment, phage infection, viral infection, or other established methods. Alternatively, vectors containing the nucleic acids of interest can be transcribed in vitro, and the resulting RNA introduced into the host cell by well-known methods, for example, by injection. Exemplary embodiments include a host cell or population of cells expressing one or more nucleic acid molecules or expression vectors described herein (for example, a genetically modified microorganism). The cells into which nucleic acids have been introduced as described above also include the progeny of such cells.

Vectors may be introduced into host cells such as those from bacteria or fungi by direct transformation, in which DNA is mixed with the cells and taken up without any additional manipulation, by conjugation, electroporation, or other means known in the art. Expression vectors may be expressed by bacteria or fungi or other host cells episomally or the gene of interest may be inserted into the chromosome of the host cell to produce cells that stably express the gene with or without the need for selective pressure. For example, expression cassettes may be targeted to neutral chromosomal sites by recombination.

Host cells carrying an expression vector (i.e., transformants or clones) may be selected using markers depending on the mode of the vector construction. The marker may be on the same or a different DNA molecule. In prokaryotic hosts, the transformant may be selected, for example, by resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline or other antibiotics. Production of a particular product based on temperature sensitivity may also serve as an appropriate marker.

Host cells may be cultured in an appropriate fermentation medium. An appropriate, or effective, fermentation medium refers to any medium in which a host cell, including a genetically modified microorganism, when cultured, is capable of growing or expressing the polypeptides described herein. Such a medium is typically an aqueous medium comprising assimilable carbon, nitrogen and phosphate sources, but can also include appropriate salts, minerals, metals and other nutrients. Microorganisms and other cells can be cultured in conventional fermentation bioreactors and by any fermentation process, including batch, fed-batch, cell recycle, and continuous fermentation. The pH of the fermentation medium is regulated to a pH suitable for growth of the particular organism. Culture media and conditions for various host cells are known in the art. A wide range of media for culturing bacteria or fungi, for example, are available from ATCC. Exemplary culture/fermentation conditions and reagents are provided in the Table 2 below. Media may be supplemented with aromatic substrates like guaiacol, guaethol or anisole for dealkylation reactions.

The nucleic acid molecules described herein encode the enzymes with amino acid sequences such as those represented by the SEQ ID NOs presented herein. As used herein, the terms “protein” and “polypeptide” are synonymous. “Peptides” are defined as fragments or portions of polypeptides, preferably fragments or portions having at least one functional activity as the complete polypeptide sequence. “Isolated” proteins or polypeptides are proteins or polypeptides purified to a state beyond that in which they exist in cells. In certain embodiments, they may be at least 10% pure; in others, they may be substantially purified to 80% or 90% purity or greater. Isolated proteins or polypeptides include essentially pure proteins or polypeptides, proteins or polypeptides produced by chemical synthesis or by combinations of biological and chemical methods, and recombinant proteins or polypeptides that are isolated. Proteins or polypeptides referred to herein as “recombinant” are proteins or polypeptides produced by the expression of recombinant nucleic acids.

Proteins or polypeptides encoded by nucleic acids as well as functional portions or variants thereof are also described herein. Polypeptide sequences may be identical to the amino acid sequences presented herein, or may include up to a certain integer number of amino acid alterations. Such protein or polypeptide variants retain functionality as enzymes, and include mutants differing by the addition, deletion or substitution of one or more amino acid residues, or modified polypeptides and mutants comprising one or more modified residues. The variant may have one or more conservative changes, wherein a substituted amino acid has similar structural or chemical properties (e.g., replacement of leucine with isoleucine). Alterations may occur at the amino- or carboxy-terminal positions of the reference polypeptide sequence or anywhere between those terminal positions, interspersed either individually among the amino acids in the reference sequence or in one or more contiguous groups within the reference sequence.

In certain embodiments, the polypeptides may be at least about 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to the amino acid sequences presented herein and possess enzymatic function. Percent sequence identity can be calculated using computer programs (such as the BLASTP and TBLASTN programs publicly available from NCBI and other sources) or direct sequence comparison. Polypeptide variants can be produced using techniques known in the art including direct modifications to isolated polypeptides, direct synthesis, or modifications to the nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide using, for example, recombinant DNA techniques.

Polypeptides may be retrieved, obtained, or used in “substantially pure” form, a purity that allows for the effective use of the protein in any method described herein or known in the art. For a protein to be most useful in any of the methods described herein or in any method utilizing enzymes of the types described herein, it is most often substantially free of contaminants, other proteins and/or chemicals that might interfere or that would interfere with its use in the method (e.g., that might interfere with enzyme activity), or that at least would be undesirable for inclusion with a protein.

The present disclosure relates to genetically modified microorganisms including Pseudomonads (including Pseudomonas putida), Acinetobacter sp., various Rhodococci (e.g., Rhodococcus erythryopolis), Sphingobium sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Zygosaccharomyces bailii, Pichia kudriavzevii, and Candida glabrata that have been metabolically engineered to direct various lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose derived intermediates such as catechol and protcatechuate to a variety of novel molecules, which may be reacted to produce polymers and/or copolymers. Genetically modified strains of mircroorganisms have been developed for the production of each of the following molecules:

-   -   1. 2-hydroxy-2H-pyran-4,6-dicarboxylic acid;     -   2. 2-oxo-2H-pyran-4,6-dicarboxylic acid;     -   3. (1E,3E)-4-hydroxybuta-1,3-diene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid;     -   4. (1E)-4-oxobut-1-ene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid;     -   5. 2-hydroxy-4-oxobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid;     -   6. (1E,3Z)-buta-1,3-diene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid;     -   7. 2-carboxy-5-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-carboxylic acid;     -   8. 2-(2-oxo-3H-furan-5-yl)acetic acid;     -   9. 3-oxohexanedioic acid;     -   10. (2E,4E)-2-formyl-5-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienedioic acid;     -   10a. pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid;     -   11. (2Z, 4E)-2-hydroxy-6-oxohexa-2,4-dienoic acid; 11a.         pyridine-2-carboxylic acid;     -   12. (2Z, 4E)-2-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienedioic acid;     -   13. (3E)-2-oxohex-3-enedioic acid;     -   14. (2E)-2-hydroxypenta-2,4-dienoic acid; and     -   15. 4-hydroxy-2-oxopentanoic acid.

These seventeen molecules will be referred to by their respective numbers throughout the remainder of this disclosure. For example, 3-oxohexanedioic acid will be referred to as “molecule #9” or “#9” or “(#9)” or “9”. Referring to FIG. 1, 3-oxohexanedioic acid is shown in the middle vertical pathway, labeled “9”. Collectively, these seventeen molecules have properties suitable as precursors of direct polymer replacements and/or for advanced polymeric materials. They can be reacted with themselves to form homopolymers, with one another in novel combinations to form tailored copolymers, or with other conventional polymer precursors and cross-linking molecules to generate a new class of materials derived from lignocellulosic biomass.

Referring to FIG. 1, microorganisms capable of metabolizing catechol and/or protocatechuate may cleave the aromatic ring of these molecules in either the ortho (intradiol) or meta (extradiol) position relative to two hydroxyl groups. The cleavage of these molecules at different positions yields different products that may be metabolized through different “lower pathways” to enter the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. These lower pathways may be referred to according to the dioxygenase that initiates them; e.g. the pathway responsible for metabolism of the product of 4,5 meta cleavage of protocatechuate can be referred to as the protocatechuate 4,5 meta-cleavage pathway.

The present disclosure relates to the construction of fifteen different P. putida strains (e.g. P. putida KT2440) engineered to produce the seventeen different molecules (listed above) that are intermediates in these “lower pathways”. For example, the deletion of genes encoding enzymes responsible for advancing a molecule through the catechol or protocatechuate ortho-cleavage pathways may eliminate the targeted enzyme, resulting in the accumulation of a molecule that would normally be eliminated by conversion to the next molecule in the pathway. Alternatively, genes encoding one of the endogenous dioxygenases (e.g. CatA and CatA2 or PcaG and PcaH) may be deleted from the genome and genes encoding part of one of the meta-cleavage pathways from organisms such as P. putida mt-2, Paenibacillus sp. strain JJ-1b, or Sphingobium sp. strain SYK-6 may be integrated in its place, so that catechol or protocatechuate may be metabolized by the introduced pathway, converting it to the final intermediate produced by the incomplete, exogenously-expressed pathway. In some cases, endogenous genes encoding enzymes such as GalB, GalC, and GalD, which may catalyze the same reactions of LigU, LigJ, and LigK (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:13, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:14), may be deleted so as not to interfere with the exogenous enzymes. Alternatively, endogenous enzymes may be used to produce the targeted molecules.

While the present disclosure relates to engineered strains that utilize enzymes from P. putida KT2440, P. putida mt-2, Sphingobium sp. strain SYK-6, and Paenibacillus sp. strain JJ-1b, similar strains could be constructed in different hosts using different endogenous or exogenous enzymes that catalyze the same reactions described herein. Thus, variations to these pathways present in other organisms that may enable the production of the compounds targeted here, or related molecules not described herein, are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. In eukaryotes, for example, the product of protocatechuate ring cleavage (molecule #6) is converted to 3-carboxymuconolactone instead of 4-carboxymuconolactone (molecule #7) before being converted directly to 3-oxoadipate (molecule #9). In some species of Rhodococcus and Streptomyces, an enzyme that appears to represent a fusion of the 4-carboxymuconolactone decarboxylase PcaD and the 3-oxoadipate enol-lactonase and PcaC catalyzes the direct conversion of 4-carboxymuconolactone (molecule #7) to 3-oxoadipate (molecule #9).

The seventeen molecules reported herein utilize fifteen engineered P. putida strains, which were produced in fermentation broths using p-coumarate or benzoate as the starting raw material. Referring again to FIG. 1, p-coumarate and benzoate are metabolized through protocatechuate and catechol intermediates, respectively. However, the seventeen molecules may be produced from any substrates that may be converted, biologically or otherwise, to either of these molecules. For example, some aromatic molecules such as p-coumarate, ferulate, 4-hydroxybenzoate, and vanillate may be metabolized through protocatechuate, while others such as benzoate and phenol may be metabolized through catechol. Further examples include 3-dehydroshikimate and chorismate, intermediates in the shikimate pathway for aromatic amino acid synthesis, which may be converted to protocatechuate through several routes. Phenylalanine, another product of the shikimate pathway, may be converted through lignin biosynthesis pathways to cinnamate, p-coumarate, caffeate, ferulate and molecules derived from these, which may then be metabolized through protocatechuate and/or catechol. Thus, any carbon source that may be converted to these amino acids, aromatic carbons, sugars, glycerol, etc., may be converted to protocatechuate or catechol, which may be subsequently converted to any of the seventeen molecules described herein, by the appropriate use of the enzymatic reactions described herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates pathways that lead to the various target molecules, per embodiments of the present disclosure. The first (left-most) pathway, referred to as the protocatechuate 4,5 meta-cleavage pathway, may produce any of the first five target molecules: 2-hydroxy-2H-pyran-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (#1); 2-oxo-2H-pyran-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (#2); (1E, 3E)-4-hydroxybuta-1,3-diene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#3); (1E)-4-oxobut-1-ene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#4); and 2-hydroxy-4-oxobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#5). Referring to FIG. 1, protocatechuate may be cleaved at the 4,5 meta position by a dioxygenase, for example a protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase (e.g. LigA and LigB, two subunits that assemble to form the functional enzyme) to produce 2-hydroxy-4-carboxymuconate-6-semialdehyde, which spontaneously converts to 2-hydroxy-2H-pyran-4, 6-dicarboxylic acid (#1). 2-hydroxy-2H-pyran-4, 6-dicarboxylic acid (#1) may be converted to 2-oxo-2H-pyran-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (#2) by a dehydrogenase, for example a 4-carboxy-2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (e.g. LigC). 2-oxo-2H-pyran-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (#2) may be converted to (1E,3E)-4-hydroxybuta-1,3-diene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#3) by a hydrolase, for example a 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid hydrolase (e.g. LigI). (1E,3E)-4-hydroxybuta-1,3-diene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#3) may be converted to (1E)-4-oxobut-1-ene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#4) by a tautomerase, for example a 4-oxalomesaconate tautomerase (e.g. LigU). (1E)-4-oxobut-1-ene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#4) may be converted to 2-hydroxy-4-oxobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#5) by a hydratase, for example a 4-oxalomesaconate hydratase (e.g. LigJ). In addition, molecules #1 through #5 may also be produced through catechol, for example, by the conversion of catechol to protecatechuate by a carboxylase (e.g. AroY) (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:65, amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:66).

The middle vertical pathway shown in FIG. 1 illustrates the catechol and protocatechuate ortho-cleavage pathways, which, in P. putida KT2440, converge at molecule 8. These pathways may produce four of the target molecules: (1E,3Z)-buta-1,3-diene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#6); 2-carboxy-5-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-carboxylic acid (#7); 2-(2-oxo-3H-furan-5-yl)acetic acid (#8); and 3-oxohexanedioic acid (#9). Referring to FIG. 1, protocatechuate may be cleaved at the ortho position by a dioxygenase, for example protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase (e.g. PcaH and PcaG are two subunits that assemble to form the functional enzyme) to produce (1E,3Z)-buta-1,3-diene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#6). (1E,3Z)-buta-1,3-diene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#6) may be converted to 2-carboxy-5-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-carboxylic acid (#7) by a cycloisomerase, for example 3-carboxy-cis,cis-muconate cycloisomerase (e.g. PcaB). 2-carboxy-5-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-carboxylic acid (#7) may be converted to 2-(2-oxo-3H-furan-5-yl)acetic acid (#8) by decarboxylase, for example 4-carboxymuconolactone decarboxylase. 2-(2-oxo-3H-furan-5-yl)acetic acid (#8) may be converted to 3-oxohexanedioic acid (#9) by a lactonase, for example 3-oxoadipate enol-lactonase. In addition, molecules #6 through #9 may also be produced through catechol, for example, by the conversion of catechol to protecatechuate by a carboxylase (e.g. AroY). In addition, 2-(2-oxo-3H-furan-5-yl)acetic acid (#8) may be produced by the conversion of catechol to cis,cis-muconate by a dioxygenase, for example a catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (e.g. CatA and/or CatA2), followed by the conversion of cis,cis-muconate to muconolactone by a cycloisomerase, for example a mucanolactone isomerase (e.g. Cat B), followed by conversion of muconolactone to 2-(2-oxo-3H-furan-5-yl)acetic acid (#8) by an isomerase, for example a muconolactone isomerase (e.g. CatC).

The final vertical pathways shown in FIG. 1 illustrates the catechol meta-cleavage and protochatechuate 2,3 meta-cleavage pathways. These pathways may result in five of the target molecules: (2E, 4E)-2-formyl-5-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienedioic acid/pyridine-2,5 -dicarboxylic acid (#10); (2Z, 4E)-2-hydroxy-6-oxohexa-2,4-dienoic acid/pyridine-2-carboxylic acid (#11); (2Z,4E)-2-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienedioic acid (#12); (3E)-2-oxohex-3-enedioic acid (#13); (2E)-2-hydroxypenta-2,4-dienoic acid (#14); and 4-hydroxy-2-oxopentanoic acid (#15). Referring to FIG. 1, protocatechuate may be cleaved at the 2,3 meta position by a dioxygenase, for example a protocatechuate 2,3-dioxygenase (e.g. PraA) to produce (2E,4E)-2-formyl-5-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienedioic acid (#10). (2E,4E)-2-formyl-5-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienedioic acid (#10) may be converted to (2Z,4E)-2-hydroxy-6-oxohexa-2,4-dienoic acid (#11) by a decarboxylase, for example a 5-carboxy-2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde decarboxylase (e.g. PraH). (2Z, 4E)-2-hydroxy-6-oxohexa-2,4-dienoic acid (#11) may be converted to (2Z,4E)-2-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienedioic acid (#12) by a dehyrogenase, for example a 2-hydroxymuconate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (e.g. XylG). (2Z,4E)-2-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienedioic acid (#12) may be converted to (3E)-2-oxohex-3-enedioic acid (#13) by a tautomerase, for example a 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase (e.g. XylH). (3E)-2-oxohex-3-enedioic acid (#13) may be converted to (2E)-2-hydroxypenta-2,4-dienoic acid (#14) by a decarboxylase, for example an 4-oxalocrotonate decarboxylase (e.g. XylI). (2E)-2-hydroxypenta-2,4-dienoic acid (#14) may be converted to 4-hydroxy-2-oxopentanoic acid (#15) by a hydratase, for example a 2-hydroxypent-2, 4-dienoate hydratase (e.g. XylJ).

In addition, molecules #10 through #15 may also be produced through catechol, for example, by the conversion of catechol to protocatechuate by a carboxylase (e.g. AroY), followed by the conversion of protocatechuate to (2E,4E)-2-formyl-5-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienedioic acid (#10) by a dioxygenase, for example a protocatechuate 2,3-dioxygenase (e.g. PraA). In addition, (2Z,4E)-2-hydroxy-6-oxohexa-2,4-dienoic acid (#11) may be produced by converting catechol directly to (2Z,4E)-2-hydroxy-6-oxohexa-2,4-dienoic acid (#11) utilizing a dioxygenase, for example a catechol 2,3 dioxygenase (e.g. XylE). In addition, (2Z,4E)-2-hydroxy-6-oxohexa-2,4-dienoic acid (#11) may be converted directly to (2E)-2-hydroxypenta-2,4-dienoic acid (#14) utilizing a hydrolase, for example a 2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde hydrolase (e.g. XylF). Further details are provided below for all of the pathways shown in FIG. 1.

It should be noted that (2E,4E)-2-formyl-5-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienedioic acid (molecule #10) and (2Z,4E)-2-hydroxy-6-oxohexa-2,4-dienoic acid (molecule #11) are spontaneously converted to pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (molecule #10a) and pyridine-2-carboxylic acid (molecule #11a), respectively, in the presence of the NH₄ (ammonium) in the M9 minimal medium they are produced in, so these are the products that were ultimately detected in the media of cultures producing #10 and #11. This cyclisation could also be accomplished with NH₃ (ammonia). See FIG. 2 for details.

As stated above, genetically modified strains of P. putida KT2440 were engineered to produce each of the fifteen target molecules listed above. All strains were made by genetic modification to P. putida KT2440. Other methods for gene modification are considered within the scope of the present disclosure; e.g. gene addition and/or over-expression by the addition of non-native plasmids, etc. Examples of each engineered P. putida KT2440 strain, for each of the fifteen target molecules, are provided below.

Note regarding nomenclature: Modifications to P. putida KT2440 will be summarized in “short-hand” notation as follows. First, the gene or genes immediately following a A symbol have been deleted from the genome. A double-colon following the deleted gene(s) refers to replacing the deleted gene(s) with the genetic element, gene or genes that immediately follow the double-colon. Finally, the single colon refers to genetic fusion of the gene before the colon to the gene following the colon, where one genetic element or gene immediately precedes the next.

Molecule #1: Strain CJ249—P. putida KT2440 ΔpcaHG::Ptac:ligAB

A modified P. putida KT2440 strain for the production of 2-hydroxy-2H-pyran-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (#1) was engineered by deletion of the genes encoding a protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase (e.g. PcaH and PcaG combine to form the functional enzyme) and replacing them with a DNA sequence encoding the Ptac promoter (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:67) fused to and upstream (5′) of the DNA sequences encoding two subunits of a protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenases (e.g. LigA and LigB, which assemble to form the functional enzyme). This example illustrates that a genetically modified strain of P. putida capable of producing 2-hydroxy-2H-pyran-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (#1) may be engineered by the replacement of an endogenous dioxygenase with a sequence of DNA consisting of a suitable promoter fused to genes encoding an exogenous dioxygenase.

Molecule #2: Strain CJ251—P. putida KT2440 ΔpcaHG::Ptac:ligABC

A modified P. putida KT2440 strain for the production of 2-oxo-2H-pyran-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (#2) was engineered by deletion of the genes encoding a protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase (e.g. PcaH and PcaG assemble to form the functional enzyme) and replacing them with a DNA sequence encoding the Ptac promoter fused to the DNA sequences encoding two subunits of a protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenases (e.g. LigA and LigB, which assemble to form the functional enzyme), and a 4-carboxy-2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (e.g. LigC). This example illustrates that a genetically modified strain of P. putida capable of producing 2-oxo-2H-pyran-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (#2) may be engineered by the replacement of an endogenous dioxygenase with a sequence of DNA consisting of a suitable promoter fused to genes encoding an exogenous dioxygenase, and an exogenous dehydrogenase.

Molecule #3: Strain CJ350—P. putida KT2440 ΔpcaHG::Ptac:ligABCI ΔgalBCD

A modified P. putida KT2440 strain for the production of (1E,3E)-4-hydroxybuta-1,3-diene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#3) was engineered by deletion of the genes encoding a protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase (e.g. PcaH and PcaG combine to form the functional enzyme) and replacing them with a DNA sequence encoding the Ptac promoter fused to the DNA sequences encoding two subunits of a protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase (e.g. LigA and LigB, which assemble to form the functional enzyme), a 4-carboxy-2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (e.g. LigC), and a 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid hydrolase (e.g. LigI). In addition, the genes encoding a 4-oxalomesaconate tautomerase (e.g. GalD), a 4-oxalomesaconate hydratase (e.g. GalB), and a 4-Carboxy-4-hydroxy-2-oxoadipate aldolase/oxaloacetate decarboxylase (e.g. GalC) were deleted from P. putida KT2440. This example illustrates that a genetically modified strain of P. putida capable of producing (1E, 3E)-4-hydroxybuta-1,3-diene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#3) may be engineered by the replacement of an endogenous dioxygenase with a sequence of DNA consisting of a suitable promoter fused to genes encoding an exogenous dioxygenase, an exogenous dehydrogenase, and an exogenous hydrolase, and by the deletion of an endogenous tautomerase, an endogenous hydratase, and an endogenous decarboxylase.

Molecule #4: Strain CJ328—P. putida KT2440 ΔpcaHG::Ptac:ligABCIU ΔgalBCD

A modified P. putida KT2440 strain for the production of (1E)-4-oxobut-1-ene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#4) was engineered by deletion of the genes encoding a protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase (e.g. PcaH and PcaG combine to form the functional enzyme) and replacing them with a DNA sequence encoding the Ptac promoter fused to the DNA sequences encoding two subunits of a protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase (e.g. LigA and LigB, which assemble to form the functional enzyme), a 4-carboxy-2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (e.g. LigC), a 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid hydrolase (e.g. LigI), and a 4-oxalomesaconate tautomerase (e.g. LigU). In addition, the genes encoding a 4-oxalomesaconate tautomerase (e.g. GalD), a 4-oxalomesaconate hydratase (e.g. GalB), and a 4-Carboxy-4-hydroxy-2-oxoadipate aldolase/oxaloacetate decarboxylase (e.g. GalC) were deleted from P. putida KT2440. This example illustrates that a genetically modified strain of P. putida capable of producing (1E)-4-oxobut-1-ene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#4) may be engineered by the replacement of an endogenous dioxygenase with a sequence of DNA encoding a suitable promoter fused to genes encoding an exogenous dioxygenase, an exogenous dehydrogenase, an exogenous hydrolase, and an exogenous tautomerase, and by the deletion of an endogenous tautomerase, an endogenous hydratase, and an endogenous decarboxylase.

In additional modified P. putida KT2440 strain can be envisioned for the production of (1E)-4-oxobut-1-ene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#4), with the strain described as follows:

P. putida KT2440 ΔpcaHG::Ptac:ligABCI ΔgalBC.

In this example, molecule (#4) may be produced by a modified P. putida KT2440 strain by deleting the genes encoding a protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase (e.g. PcaH and PcaG combine to form the functional enzyme) and replacing them with a DNA sequence encoding the Ptac promoter fused to the DNA sequences encoding two subunits of a protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase (e.g. LigA and LigB, which assemble to form the functional enzyme), a 4-carboxy-2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (e.g. LigC), and a 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid hydrolase (e.g. LigI). In addition, for this strain to produce molecule (#4), the genes encoding a 4-oxalomesaconate hydratase (e.g. GalB) and a 4-Carboxy-4-hydroxy-2-oxoadipate aldolase/oxaloacetate decarboxylase (e.g. GalC) are deleted from P. putida KT2440.

Molecule #5: Strain CJ329—P. putida KT2440 ΔpcaHG::Ptac:ligABCIUJ ΔgalBCD

A modified P. putida KT2440 strain for the production of 2-hydroxy-4-oxobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#5) was engineered by deletion of the genes encoding a protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase (e.g. PcaH and PcaG combine to form the functional enzyme) and replacing them with a DNA sequence encoding the Ptac promoter fused to the DNA sequences encoding two subunits of a protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase (e.g. LigA and LigB, which assemble to form the functional enzyme), a 4-carboxy-2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (e.g. LigC), a 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid hydrolase (e.g. LigI), a 4-oxalomesaconate tautomerase (e.g. LigU), and a 4-oxalomesaconate hydratase (e.g. LigJ). In addition, the genes encoding a 4-oxalomesaconate tautomerase (e.g. GalD), a 4-oxalomesaconate hydratase (e.g. GalB), and a 4-Carboxy-4-hydroxy-2-oxoadipate aldolase/oxaloacetate decarboxylase (e.g. GalC) were deleted from P. putida KT2440. This example illustrates that a genetically modified strain of P. putida capable of producing 2-hydroxy-4-oxobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#5) may be engineered by the replacement of an endogenous dioxygenase with a sequence of DNA consisting of a suitable promoter fused to genes encoding an exogenous dioxygenases, an exogenous dehydrogenase, an exogenous hydrolase, an exogenous tautomerase, and an exogenous hydrotase, and by the deletion of an endogenous tautomerase, an endogenous hydratase, and an endogenous decarboxylase.

In additional modified P. putida KT2440 strain can be envisioned for the production of of 2-hydroxy-4-oxobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#5), with the strain described as follows:

P. putida KT2440 ΔpcaHG::Ptac:ligABCI ΔgalC.

In this example, molecule (#5) may be produced by a modified P. putida KT2440 strain by deleting the genes encoding a protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase (e.g. PcaH and PcaG combine to form the functional enzyme) and replacing them with a DNA sequence encoding the Ptac promoter fused to the DNA sequences encoding two subunits of a protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase (e.g. LigA and LigB, which assemble to form the functional enzyme), a 4-carboxy-2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (e.g. LigC), and a 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid hydrolase (e.g. LigI). In addition, for this strain to produce molecule (#5), the gene encoding a 4-Carboxy-4-hydroxy-2-oxoadipate aldolase/oxaloacetate decarboxylase (e.g. GalC) is deleted from P. putida KT2440.

Molecule #6: Strain CJ257—P. putida KT2440 ΔpcaBDC

A modified P. putida KT2440 strain for the production of (1E,3Z)-buta-1,3-diene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#6) was engineered by deletion of the genes encoding a 3-oxoadipate enol-lactonase (e.g. pcaD), a 4-carboxymuconolactone decarboxylase (e.g. pcaC), and a 3-carboxy-cis,cis-muconate cycloisomerase (e.g. pcaB). This example illustrates that a genetically modified strain of P. putida capable of producing (1E,3Z)-buta-1,3-diene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (#6) may be engineered by the deletion of genes encoding an endogenous enol-lactonase, an endogenous decarboxylase, and an endogeneous cycloisomerase.

Molecule #7: Strain CJ259—P. putida KT2440 ΔpcaDC

A modified P. putida KT2440 strain for the production of 2-carboxy-5-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-carboxylic acid (#7) was engineered by deletion of the genes encoding a 3-oxoadipate enol-lactonase (e.g. pcaD) and a 4-carboxymuconolactone decarboxylase (e.g. pcaC). This example illustrates that a genetically modified strain of P. putida capable of producing 2-carboxy-5-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-carboxylic acid (#7) may be engineered by the deletion of genes encoding an endogenous enol-lactonase and an endogenous decarboxylase.

Molecule #8: Strain CJ261—P. putida KT2440 ΔpcaD

A modified P. putida KT2440 strain for the production of 2-(2-oxo-3H-furan-5-yl)acetic acid (#8) was engineered by deletion of the gene encoding 3-oxoadipate enol-lactonase (e.g. pcaD). This example illustrates that a genetically modified strain of P. putida capable of producing 2-(2-oxo-3H-furan-5-yl)acetic acid (#8) may be engineered by the deletion of genes encoding an endogeneous enol-lactonase.

Molecule #9: Strain CJ263—P. putida KT2440 ΔpcaIJ

A modified P. putida KT2440 strain for the production of 3-oxohexanedioic acid (#9) was engineered by deletion of the genes encoding two subunits of a 3-oxoadipate CoA-transferase (e.g. PcaI and PcaJ combine to form the functional enzyme). This example illustrates that a genetically modified strain of P. putida capable of producing 3-oxohexanedioic acid (#9) may be engineered by the deletion of genes encoding an endogenous transferase.

Molecule #10: Strain CJ265—P. putida KT2440 ΔpcaHG::Ptac:praA

A modified P. putida KT2440 strain for the production of (2E,4E)-2-formyl-5-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienedioic acid (#10) was engineered by deletion of the genes encoding two subunits of a protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase (e.g. PcaH and PcaG combine to form the functional enzyme), which were replaced with the DNA sequence consisting of the Ptac promoter fused to the exogenous gene encoding a protocatechuate 2,3-dioxygenase (e.g. PraA). This example illustrates that a genetically modified strain of P. putida capable of producing (2E, 4E)-2-formyl-5-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienedioic acid (#10) may be engineered by the replacement of endogenous genes encoding an endogenous dioxygenase with a sequence of DNA consisting of a suitable promoter fused to genes encoding an exogenous gene encoding a dioxygenase.

Molecule #11: Strain CJ146—P. putida KT2440 ΔcatA2 ΔpcaHG::Ptac:praAH ΔcatBCA::Ptac:xylE

A modified P. putida KT2440 strain for the production of (2Z,4E)-2-hydroxy-6-oxohexa-2,4-dienoic acid (#11) was engineered by deletion of the gene encoding a catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (e.g. catA2). In addition, the genes encoding two subunits of a protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase (e.g. PcaH and PcaG combine to form the functional enzyme) were also deleted and replaced with a DNA sequence consisting of the Ptac promoter fused to exogenous genes encoding a protocatechuate 2,3-dioxygenase (e.g. PraA) and a 5-carboxy-2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde decarboxylase (e.g. PraH). In addition, the genes encoding a catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (e.g. CatA), a muconate cycloisomerase (e.g. CatB), and a muconolactone isomerase (e.g. CatC) were also deleted and replaced with a DNA sequence consisting of the Ptac promoter fused to an exogenous gene encoding a catechol 2,3-dioxygenase (e.g. XylE). This example illustrates that a genetically modified strain of P. putida capable of producing (2Z,4E)-2-hydroxy-6-oxohexa-2,4-dienoic acid (#11) may be engineered by the deletion of an endogenous gene encoding a dioxygenase, the replacement of endogenous genes encoding a dioxygenase with exogenous genes encoding a dioxygenase and a decarboxylase, and the replacement of endogenous genes encoding a dioxygenase, a cycloisomerase, and an isomerase with an exogenous gene encoding a dioxygenase.

Molecule #12: Strain CJ266—P. putida KT2440 ΔcatA2 ΔpcaHG::Ptac:praAH ΔcatBCA::Ptac:xylEG

A modified P. putida KT2440 strain for the production of (2Z,4E)-2-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienedioic acid (#12) was engineered by deletion of the gene encoding a catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (e.g. CatA2). In addition, the genes encoding two subunits of a protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase (e.g. PcaH and PcaG combine to form the functional enzyme) were also deleted and replaced with a DNA sequence consisting of the Ptac promoter fused to exogenous genes encoding a protocatechuate 2,3-dioxygenase (e.g. PraA) and a 5-carboxy-2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde decarboxylase (e.g. PraH). In addition, the genes encoding a catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (e.g. CatA), a muconate cycloisomerase (e.g. CatB), and a muconolactone isomerase (e.g. CatC) were also deleted and replaced with a DNA sequence including the Ptac promoter fused to exogenous genes encoding a catechol 2,3 dioxygenase (e.g. XylE), and a 2-hydroxymuconate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (e.g. XylG). This example illustrates that a genetically modified strain of P. putida capable of producing (2Z,4E)-2-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienedioic acid (#12) may be engineered by the deletion of an endogenous gene encoding a dioxygenase, the replacement of endogenous genes encoding a dioxygenase with exogenous genes encoding a dioxygenase and a decarboxylase, and the replacement of endogenous genes encoding a dioxygenase, a cycloisomerase, and an isomerase with exogenous genes encoding a dioxygenase, and a dehydrogenase.

Molecule #13: Strain CJ267—P. putida KT2440 ΔcatA2 ΔpcaHG::Ptac:praAH ΔcatBCA::Ptac:xylEGH

A modified P. putida KT2440 strain for the production of (3E)-2-oxohex-3-enedioic acid (#13) was engineered by deletion of the gene encoding a catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (e.g. CatA2). In addition, the genes encoding two subunits of a protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase (e.g. PcaH and PcaG combine to form the functional enzyme) were also deleted and replaced with a DNA sequence including the Ptac promoter fused to exogenous genes encoding a protocatechuate 2,3-dioxygenase (e.g. PraA) and a 5-carboxy-2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde decarboxylase (e.g. PraH). In addition, the genes encoding a catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (e.g. CatA), a muconate cycloisomerase (e.g. CatB), and a muconolactone isomerase (e.g. CatC) were also deleted and replaced with the DNA sequence including the Ptac promoter fused to the exogenous genes encoding a catechol 2,3 dioxygenase (e.g. XylE), a 2-hydroxymuconate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (e.g. XylG), and a 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase (e.g. XylH). This example illustrates that a genetically modified strain of P. putida capable of producing (3E)-2-oxohex-3-enedioic acid (#13) may be engineered by the deletion of an endogenous gene encoding a dioxygenase, the replacement of endogenous genes encoding a dioxygenase with exogenous genes encoding a dioxygenase and a decarboxylase, and the replacement of endogenous genes encoding a dioxygenase, a cycloisomerase, and an isomerase with exogenous genes encoding a dioxygenase, a dehydrogenase, and a tautomerase.

Molecule #14: Strain CJ270—P. putida KT2440 ΔcatA2 ΔpcaHG::Ptac:praAH ΔcatBCA::Ptac:xylEF

A modified P. putida KT2440 strain for the production of (2E)-2-hydroxypenta-2,4-dienoic acid (#14) was engineered by deletion of the gene encoding a catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (e.g. CatA2). In addition, the genes encoding two subunits of a protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenases (e.g. PcaH and PcaG combine to form the functional enzyme) were also deleted and replaced with a DNA sequence including the Ptac promoter fused to exogenous genes encoding a protocatechuate 2,3-dioxygenase (e.g. PraA) and a 5-carboxy-2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde decarboxylase (e.g. PraH). In addition, the genes encoding a catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (e.g. CatA), a muconate cycloisomerase (e.g. CatB), and a muconolactone isomerase (e.g. CatC) were also deleted and replaced with the DNA sequence including the Ptac promoter fused to exogenous genes encoding a catechol 2,3 dioxygenase (e.g. XylE), and a 2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde hydrolase (e.g. XylF). This example illustrates that a genetically modified strain of P. putida capable of producing (2E)-2-hydroxypenta-2,4-dienoic acid (#14) may be engineered by the deletion of an endogenous gene encoding a dioxygenase, the replacement of endogenous genes encoding a dioxygenase with exogenous genes encoding a dioxygenase and a decarboxylase, and the replacement of endogenous genes encoding a dioxygenase, a cycloisomerase, and an isomerase with exogenous genes encoding a dioxygenase, and a hydrolase.

Molecule #15: Strain CJ268—P. putida KT2440 ΔcatA2 ΔpcaHG::Ptac:praAH ΔcatBCA::Ptac:xylEGFJIH

A modified P. putida KT2440 strain for the production of 4-hydroxy-2-oxopentanoic acid (#15) was engineered by deletion of the genes encoding a catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (e.g. CatA2). In addition, the genes encoding two subunits of a protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenases (e.g. PcaH and PcaG combine to form the functional enzyme) were also deleted and replaced with the DNA sequence including the Ptac promoter fused to exogenous genes encoding a protocatechuate 2,3-dioxygenase (e.g. PraA) and a 5-carboxy-2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde decarboxylase (e.g. PraH). In addition, the genes encoding a catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (e.g. CatA), a muconate cycloisomerase (e.g. CatB), and a muconolactone isomerase (e.g. CatC) were also deleted and replaced with the DNA sequence including the Ptac promoter fused to the exogenous genes encoding a catechol 2,3 dioxygenase (e.g. XylE), a 2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde hydrolase (e.g. XylF), a 2-hydroxymuconate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (e.g. XylG), a 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase (e.g. XylH), a 4-oxalocrotonate decarboxylase (e.g. XylI), and a 2-hydroxypent-2,4-dienoate hydratase (e.g. XylJ). This example illustrates that a genetically modified strain of P. putida capable of producing 4-hydroxy-2-oxopentanoic acid (#15) may be engineered by the deletion of an endogenous gene encoding a dioxygenase, the replacement of endogenous genes encoding a dioxygenase with exogenous genes encoding a dioxygenase and a decarboxylase, and the replacement of endogenous genes encoding a dioxygenase, a cycloisomerase, and an isomerase with exogenous genes encoding a dioxygenase, a hydrolase, a dehydrogenase, a tautomerase, a decarboxylase, and a hydratase.

In the examples described above, the Ptac promoter is utilized to express the various exogenous genes introduced into the engineered strains of P. putida. Other promoters may be used in addition to the Ptac promoter and/or instead of the Ptac promoter, with examples including Plac (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:68), PBAD (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:69), Pcat (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:70), and Ppca (nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:71).

The above examples illustrate engineered strains of microorganisms where one or more endogenous genes were deleted and replaced with one or more exogenous genes. However, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, an endogenous gene may be deleted or inactivated or rendered deficient by some other method. For example, an endogenous gene may be rendered inactive/deficient by deleting a portion of the gene, by inserting another genetic element into the endogenous gene's sequence, and/or by changing the endogenous gene in such a way that the resultant protein (e.g. enzyme) does not function properly (e.g. doesn't fold properly, active sites no longer available, etc.). Thus, engineered microorganisms designed to produce the 17 molecules disclosed herein may be achieved by inactivating or ommiting targeted endogenous genes by methods other than deletion of the targeted endogenous genes, and are considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

Experimental Method—Strain Engineering: To construct strains for the production of the fifteen target molecules, the host strain, P. putida (ATCC 47054), was engineered by replacing or deleting regions of the genome using an antibiotic/sucrose method of selection and counter-selection. Cassettes consisting of the DNA fragments to be integrated flanked by ˜1 kb fragments of DNA with sequences identical to those 5′ and 3′ of the location in the genome targeted for deletion or replacement (5′ and 3′ targeting regions) were assembled in vectors pCM433 or pK18mobsacB using NEBuilder® HiFi DNA Assembly Master Mix (New England Biolabs), which cannot replicate in P. putida KT2440. For replacements, additional genetic elements or genes were assembled between the 5′ and 3′ targeting regions. For deletions, no additional genetic elements or genes were assembled between the 5′ and 3′ targeting regions. These plasmids (see Table 1) were transformed into P. putida KT2440 or strains derived thereof and isolates in which the plasmid, containing an antibiotic-resistance gene, had recombined into the genome by homologous recombination within either the 5′ or 3′ targeting region were selected on solid LB (Lennox) medium supplemented with 50 μg/mL kanamycin for pCM433-based plasmids or 30 μg/mL tetracycline for pK18mobsacB-based plasmids. These isolates were then streaked on YT+25% sucrose plates containing 10 g/L yeast extract, 20 g/L tryptone, 250 g/L sucrose, and 18 g/L agar to select isolates in which the plasmid backbone, containing the sacB gene that is lethal in the presence of sucrose, had recombined out of the genome at either the, now duplicated, 5′ or 3′ targeting regions. Depending on whether these recombinations occur at the 5′ or 3′ targeting regions, the genomes of these sucrose-resistant isolates will either contain the wild-type sequence that was originally between the targeting regions or the deleted or replaced sequence. Diagnostic colony PCR was used to distinguish between these possibilities by amplifying with primers that are either specific to the replaced sequence or exhibit a change in the size of the product amplified and identify strains containing the required gene replacement(s). The sequences of all primers used in construction of the gene deletion or replacement plasmids and the identification of strains containing these deletions or replacements by diagnostic colony PCR are provided (See Table 2). The sequences of all primers used in construction of the gene replacement plasmids and the identification of strains containing these replacements by diagnostic colony PCR are provided (See Table 3). Additional details regarding the endogenous gene deletions and exogenous gene additions are summarized in Tables 4-6. Gene sequences and the resultant amino acid sequences are provided in the accompanying sequence listings.

Experimental Method—Strain Validation/Molecule Production: Strains confirmed to contain the required genetic deletions or replacements were then evaluated for production of the targeted molecules in shake-flask experiments. 125 mL baffled shake flasks containing 25 mL modified M9 minimal media (pH 7.2) containing 13.56 g/L disodium phosphate, 6 g/L monopotassium phosphate, 1 g/L NaCl, 2 g/L NH4Cl, 2 mM MgSO4, 100 μM CaCl2, and 18 μM FeSO4 supplemented with 20 mM Na benzoate (Sigma-Aldrich) or p-coumaric acid (Sigma-Aldrich) neutralized with NaOH. These flasks were incubated shaking at 225 rpm, 30° C. and fed an additional 10 mM glucose after 24 and 48 hrs. After 72 hours, the cultures were transferred to 50 mL conical tubes and centrifuged to pellet the cells. The supernatants were filtered through 0.22 μm filters and analyzed for the presence of the targeted compound using a Waters Acquity ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) system coupled to an Acquity tunable UV (TUV) detector and a Waters Micromass Q-Tof micro™ mass spectrometer (Waters Corp., Milford, Mass.). Samples were injected undiluted at a volume of 20 μL and analytes were separated on an Aminex HPX-87H 9 μm, 7.8 mm i.d.×300 mm column (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, Calif.) using an isocratic mobile phase of 25 mM formic acid at a flow rate of 0.6 mL min⁻¹ and a column temperature of 55° C. Metabolites were monitored post-column by 254 nm TUV and mass spectrometry (MS) in series. Positive- and negative-ion electrospray (ESI)-MS and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in centroid data collection mode was performed. For both ion modes, the nebulization gas was set to 550 L h⁻¹ at a temperature of 250° C., the cone gas was set to 10 L h⁻¹ and the source temperature was set to 110° C. For negative-ion mode, the capillary and cone voltages were set to 2650 V and 25 V, respectively and for positive-ion mode the capillary voltage was 3000 V and the cone voltage was 35 V. For MS experiments, data was collected between m/z 20-500 with collision energy of 8 eV and an acquisition rate of 0.4 sec spectrum⁻¹. MS/MS experiments were performed by increasing the collision energy to 15-35 eV, specific to each analyte. MS-MS data validating the production of each of the 15 target molecules are summarized in FIGS. 3 through 6.

TABLE 1 Plasmid Construction Plasmid Utility Plasmid Construction Details pCJ004 Deletion of catA2 in P. putida KT2440 The 5′ targeting region was amplified from P. putida KT2440 genomic DNA and strains derived from it with primer pair oCJ038/oCJ039 (1,037 bp) and the 3′ targeting region was amplified using primer pair oCJ040/oCJ041 (1,042 bp). These fragments were then assembled into pCM433 digested with Aatll and Sacl 1 (7,991 bp). pCJ005 Replacement of catBCA with Ptac:xylE The 5′ targeting region was amplified from P. putida KT2440 genomic DNA in P. putida KT2440 and strains derived with primer pair oCJ042/oCJ043 (1,104 bp, which incorporated the tac promoter), from it xylE (969 bp) was amplified from P. putida mt-2 (ATCC 23973) genomic DNA with primer pair oCJ044/oCJ045, and the 3′ targeting region was amplified using primer pair oCJ046/oCJ047 (1,033 bp). These fragments were then assembled into pCM433 digested with Aatll and Sacl (7,991 bp). pCJ008 Replacement of catBCA with The 5′ targeting region was amplified from P. putida KT2440 genomic DNA Ptac:xylEGFJQKIH in P. putida KT2440 with primers pair oCJ042/oCJ043 (1,104 bp, which incorporated the tac promoter). and strains derived from it and as an The xylEGFJQKIH operon was amplified from P. putida mt-2 (ATCC 23973) intermediate in construction of other genomic DNA using primers oCJ044/oCJ048 (7,133 bp). The 3′ homology region plasmids was amplified using primers oCJ046 and oCJ047 (1033 bp). These fragments were then assembled into pCM433 digested with Aatll and Sacl (7,991 bp). pCJ011 Deletion of pcaHG in P. putida KT2440 The 5′ targeting region was amplified from P. putida KT2440 genomic DNA with and strains derived from it and as an primer pair oCJ100/oCJ101 (981 bp) and the 3′ tageting region was amplified intermediate in construction of other using primer pair oCJ102/oCJ103 (1,040 bp). These fragments were then plasmids assembled into pCM433 digested with Aatll and Sacl (7,991 bp). pCJ019 To replace pcaHG in P. putida KT2440 The ligABCIUJK genes from Sphingobium sp. SYK-6 were codon optimized for and strains derived from it with expression in P. putida KT2440 and synthesized as two DNA fragments, ligABCI Ptac:ligABCIUJK and ligUJK, in which Shine-Delgarno consensus RBSs (AGGAGGACAGCT) were included 5′ of the start codon of each gene. ligABCI was amplified from the synthesized fragment with primer pair oCJ154(which incorportes the tac promoter)/oCJ157 (3,297 bp) while ligUJK was amplified from the other synthesized fragment with primer pair oCJ158/oCJ155 (2,851 bp). These fragments were then assembled in pCJ011 digested with Bglll and Notl (9,948 bp). pCJ032 Replacement of pcaHG with The praA and praH genes from Paenibacillus sp. JJ-1b were codon optimized for Ptac:praAH in P. putida KT2440 and expression in P. putida KT2440 and synthesized as a DNA fragment containing strains derived from it synthetic RBSs for each gene. This fragment was amplified with oCJ251 and oCJ252 and assembled into pCJ011 digested with Bglll and Notl (9,934 bp). pCJ051 Replacement of pcaHG with Ptac:ligAB Ptac:ligAB was amplified from pCJ019 with primer pair oCJ330/oCJ331 in P. putida KT2440 and strains derived (1,480 bp) and assembled into pCJ019 digested with Bglll and Notl (,9942 bp). from it pCJ052 Replacement of pcaHG with Ptac:ligABC was amplified from pCJ019 with primer pair oCJ330/oCJ332 Ptac:ligABC in P. putida KT2440 and (2,440 bp) and assembled into pCJ019 digested with Bglll and Notl (9,942 bp). strains derived from it pCJ053 Replacement of pcaHG with Ptac:ligABCI was amplified from pCJ019 with primer pair oCJ330/oCJ333 Ptac:ligABCI in P. putida KT2440 and (3,334 bp) and assembled into pCJ019 digested with Bglll and Notl (9,942 bp). strains derived from it. pCJ054 Replacement of pcaHG with Ptac:ligABCIU was amplified from pCJ019 with primer pair oCJ330/oCJ334 Ptac:ligABCIU in P. putida KT2440 and (4,402 bp) and assembled into pCJ019 digested with Bglll and Notl (9,942 bp). strains derived from it. pCJ055 Replacement of pcaHG with Ptac:ligABCIUJ was amplified from pCJ019 with primer pair oCJ330/oCJ335 Ptac:ligABCIUJ in P. putida KT2440 (5,440 bp) and assembled into pCJ019 digested with Bglll and Notl (9,942 bp). and strains derived from it. pCJ056 Deletion of pcaBDC in P. putida The 5′ targeting region was amplified with primer pair oCJ346/oCJ347 KT2440 and strains derived from it (1,045 bp) while the 3′ targeting region was amplified with primer pair oCJ348/ oCJ349 (1,053 bp) and these fragments were assembled into pK18mobsacB amplified with primer pair oCJ345/oCJ289 and digested with EcoRl and BamHl (5,391 bp). pCJ057 Deletion of pcaDC in P. putida KT2440 The 5′ targeting region was amplified with primer pair oCJ351/oCJ352 and strains derived from it (1,045 bp) while the 3′ targeting region was amplified with primer pair oCJ353/ oCJ349 (1,052 bp) and these fragments were assembled into pK18mobsacB amplified with primer pair oCJ345/oCJ289 and digested with EcoRl and BamHl (5,391 bp). pCJ058 Deletion of pcaD in P. putida KT2440 The 5′ targeting region was amplified with primer pair oCJ351/oCJ357 (1,046 bp) and strains derived from it while the 3 targeting region (1,068 bp) was amplified with primer pair oCJ358/ oCJ359 (1052 bp) and these fragments were assembled into pK18mobsacB amplified with primer pair oCJ345/oCJ289 and digested with EcoRl and BamHl (5391 bp). pCJ059 Deletion of pcaIJ in P. putida KT2440 The 5' targeting region was amplified with primer pair oCJ361/oCJ362 (1,049 bp) and strains derived from it while the 3 targeting region (1,068 bp) was amplified with primer pair oCJ363/ oCJ364 (1,049 bp) and these fragments were assembled into pK18mobsacB amplified with primer pair oCJ345/oCJ289 and digested with EcoRl and BamHl (5,391 bp). pCJ060 Replacement of pcaHG with Ptac:praA Ptac:praA was amplified from pCJ032 with primer pair oCJ251/oCJ354 (936 bp) in P. putida KT2440 and strains derived and assembled into pCJ019 digested with Bglll and Notl (9,942). from it pCJ061 Replacement of catBCA with Ptac:xylEG was amplified from pCJ008 with primer pair oCJ336/oCJ337 Ptac:xylEG in P. putida KT2440 and (2,213 bp) and assembled into pCJ008 digested with Ndel and Notl (10,337 bp). strains derived from it pCJ062 Replacement of catBCA with Ptac:xylEGH was amplified from pCJ008 with primer pair oCJ336/oCJ338 Ptac:xylEGH in P. putida KT2440 and (2,229 bp) and assembled into pCJ008 digested with Ndel and Xmal (10,565 bp). strains derived from it. pCJ064 Replacement of catBCA with Ptac:xylEGF was amplified from pCJ008 with primer pair oCJ336/oCJ342 Ptac:xylEGF in P. putida K12440 and (3,072 bp) and assembled into pCJ008 digested with Ndel and Notl (10,337 bp). strains derived from it pCJ065 Replacement of catBCA with Ptac:xylEGFJIH was amplified from pCJ008 with primer pair oCJ336/oCJ343 Ptac:xylEGFJIH in P. putida K12440 (3,862 bp) and xylIH was amplified from pCJ008 with primer pair oCJ344/oCJ341 and strains derived from it (1,090 bp). These fragments were then and assembled into pCJ008 digested with Ndel and Notl (10,337 bp). pCJ081 Deletion of galBCD in P. putida The 5′ targeting region was amplified from P. putida KT2440 genomic DNA with KT2440 and strains derived from it primer pair oCJ435/oCJ436 (1060 bp) while the 3′ targeting region was amplified from P. putida KT2440 genomic DNA with primer pair oCJ437/oCJ438 (1,050 bp) and these fragments were assembled into pK18mobsacB amplified with primer pair oCJ345/oCJ289 and digested with EcoRl and BamHl (5,391 bp). pCJ124 Replacement of galBC with the tac The 3′ targeting region containing galD was amplified from P. putida KT2440 promoter upstream of galD in P. putida genomic DNA with primers oCJ624/oCJ625 (1,235 bp, which incorporated the tac KT2440 and strains derived from it promoter upstream of galD) and assembled into pCJ081 digested with Notl and BamHl (6,399 bp). pCJ125 Deletion of galC and integration of the galB was amplified from P. putida KT2440 genomic DNA with primers oCJ626/ tac promoter upstream of galBD in oCJ627 (855 bp) and assembled into pCJ124 digested with Spel (7,572 bp). P. putida KT2440 and strains derived from it

TABLE 2 Strain Construction Medium Used For Evaluation of Target Molecule Strain Genotype Strain Construction Details Molecule Production 1: 2-hydroxy-2H-pyran-4,6- CJ249 P. putida KT2440 pcaHG was replaced with Ptac:ligAB in P. putida KT2440 with pCJ051. This strain was confirmed to contain this gene M9 + 20 mM dicarboxylic acid ΔpcaHG::Ptac:ligAB replacement by diagnostic colony PCR amplification of a 1,056 bp product with primer pair oCJ106/oCJ055 and a 2,428 p-coumarate + bp product with primer pair oCJ054/oCJ107. 20 mM Glucose 2: 2-oxo-2H-pyran-4,6- CJ251 P. putida KT2440 pcaHG was replaced with Ptac:ligABC in P. putida KT2440 with pCJ052. This strain was confirmed to contain this gene M9 + 20 mM dicarboxylic acid ΔpcaHG::Ptac:ligABC replacement by diagnostic colony PCR amplification of a 1,056 bp product with primer pair oCJ106/oCJ055 and a 3,388 p-coumarate + bp product with primer pair oCJ054/oCJ107. 20 mM Glucose 3: (1E,3E)-4-hydroxybuta- CJ350 P. putida KT2440 pcaHG was replaced with Ptac:ligABCI in P. putida KT2440 with pCJ053. This strain was confirmed to contain this M9 + 20 mM 1,3-diene-1,2,4- ΔpcaHG::Ptac:ligABCI gene replacement by diagnostic colony PCR amplification of a 1,056 bp product with primer pair oCJ106/oCJ055 and a p-coumarate + tricarboxylic acid ΔgalBCD 1,298 bp product with primer pair oCJ149/oCJ107. galBCD was deleted from P. putida CJ252 with pCJ081. This 20 mM Glucose deletion was confirmed by diagnostic colony PCR amplification of a 2071 bp product with primer pair oCJ439/oCJ440. 4: (1E)-4-oxobut-1-ene-1,2,4- CJ328 P. putida KT2440 pcaHG was replaced with Ptac:ligABCIU in P. putida KT2440 with pCJ054. This strain was confirmed to contain this M9 + 20 mM tricarboxylic acid ΔpcaHG::Ptac:ligABCIU gene replacement by diagnostic colony PCR amplification of a 1,056 bp product with primer pair oCJ106/oCJ055 and a p-coumarate + ΔgalBCD 2,366 bp product with primer pair oCJ149/oCJ107. galBCD was deleted from this strain with pCJ081. This deletion was 20 mM Glucose confirmed by diagnostic colony PCR amplification of a 2071 bp product with primer pair oCJ439/oCJ440. CJ491 P. putida KT2440 pcaHG was replaced with Ptac:ligABCIU in P. putida KT2440 with pCJ054. This strain was confirmed to contain this M9 + 20 mM ΔpcaHG::Ptac:ligABCIU gene replacement by diagnostic colony PCR amplification of a 1,056 bp product with primer pair oCJ106/oCJ055 and a p-coumarate + ΔgalBC::Ptac:galD 2,366 bp product with primer pair oCJ149/oCJ107. galBC was deleted and the tac promoter was integrated upstream of 20 mM Glucose galD using pCJ124 and this replacement was confirmed by amplification of 3,242 bp product with primer pair oCJ439/0CJ440. 5: 2-hydroxy-4-oxobutane- CJ329 P. putida KT2440 pcaHG was replaced with Ptac:ligABCIUJ in P. putida KT2440 with pCJ055. This strain was confirmed to contain this M9 + 20 mM 1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid ΔpcaHG::Ptac:ligABCIUJ gene replacement by diagnostic colony PCR amplification of a 1,056 bp product with primer pair oCJ106/oCJ055 and a p-coumarate + ΔgalBCD 3,392 bp product with primer pair oCJ149/oCJ107. galBCD was deleted from this strain with pCJ081. This deletion was 20 mM Glucose confirmed by diagnostic colony PCR amplification of a 2071 bp product with primer pair oCJ439/oCJ440. CJ507 P. putida KT2440 pcaHG was replaced with Ptac:ligABCIUJ in P. putida KT2440 with pCJ055. This strain was confirmed to contain this M9 + 20 mM ΔpcaHG::Ptac:ligABCIUJ gene replacement by diagnostic colony PCR amplification of a 1,056 bp product with primer pair oCJ106/oCJ055 and a p-coumarate + ΔgalC::Ptac:galBD 3,392 bp product with primer pair oCJ149/oCJ107. galC was deleted and the tac promoter was integrated upstream of 20 mM Glucose galBD in this strain using pCJ125 and this replacement was confirmed by amplification of a 4031 bp product using primers oCJ439/oCJ440. 6: (1E,3Z)-buta-1,3-diene- CJ257 P. putida KT2440 pcaBDC was deleted from P. putida KT2440 with pCJ056. This deletion was confirmed by diagnostic colony PCR M9 + 20 mM 1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid ΔpcaBDC amplification of a 2,067 bp product with primer pair oCJ355/oCJ356. p-coumarate + 20 mM Glucose 7: 2-carboxy-5-oxo-2,5- CJ259 P. putida KT2440 pcaDC was deleted from P. putida KT2440 with pCJ057. This deletion was confirmed by diagnostic colony PCR M9 + 20 mM dihydrofuran-2-carboxylic ΔpcaDC amplification of a 3,429 bp product with primer pair oCJ355/oCJ356. p-coumarate + acid 20 mM Glucose 8: 2-(2-oxo-3H-furan-5-yl) CJ261 P. putida KT2440 pcaD was deleted from P. putida KT2440 with pCJ058. This deletion was confirmed by diagnostic colony PCR M9 + 20 mM acetic acid ΔpcaD amplification of a 3,835 bp product with primer pair oCJ355/oCJ356. p-coumarate + 20 mM Glucose 9: 3-oxohexanedioic acid CJ263 P. putida KT2440 pcaIJ was deleted from P. putida KT2440 with pCJ059. This deletion was confirmed by diagnostic colony PCR M9 + 20 mM ΔpcaIJ amplification of a 2,037 bp product with primer pair oCJ366/oCJ367. p-coumarate + 20 mM Glucose 10: (2E,4E)-2-formyl-5- CJ265 P. putida KT2440 pcaHG was replaced with Ptac:praA in P. putida KT2440 with pCJ060. This strain was confirmed to contain this gene M9 + 20 mM hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienedioic ΔpcaHG::Ptac:praA replacement by diagnostic colony PCR amplification of a 2,923 bp product with primer pair oCJ106/oCJ107. p-coumarate + acid/pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic 20 mM Glucose acid 11: (2Z,4E)-2-hydroxy-6- CJ146 P. putida KT2440 catA2 deleted from P. putida KT2440 using pCJ004 and this deletion was confirmed by diagnostic colony PCR M9 + 20 mM oxohexa-2,4-dienoic acid/ ΔcatA2 amplification of a 2,089 bp product with primer pair oCJ084/oCJ085. catBCA was replaced with Ptac:xylE using pCJ005 benzoate + pyridine-5-carboxylic acid ΔcatBCA::Ptac:xylE and this gene replacement was confirmed by diagnostic colony PCR amplification of a 3,078 bp product with primer pair 20 mM Glucose ΔpcaHG::Ptac:praAH oCJ086/oCJ087. pcaHG was replaced with praAH from Paenibacillus sp. JJ-1b using plasmid pCJ032 and this relacement was confirmed by diagnostic colony PCR amplification of a 3,888 bp product with primer pair oCJ106/0CJ107. 12: (2Z,4E)-2-hydroxyhexa- CJ266 P. putida KT2440 catBCA was replaced with Ptac:xylEG in CJ146 with pCJ061. This strain was confirmed to contain this gene M9 + 20 mM 2,4-dienedioic acid ΔcatA2 replacement by diagnostic colony PCR amplification of a 2,057 bp product with primer pair oCJ086/oCJ091 and a 1,517 benzoate + ΔpcaHG::Ptac:praAH bp product with primer pair oCJ061/oCJ087. 20 mM Glucose ΔcatBCA::Ptac:xylEG 13: (3E)-2-oxohex-3-enedioic CJ267 P. putida KT2440 catBCA was replaced with Ptac:xylEGH in CJ146 with pCJ062. This strain was confirmed to contain this gene M9 + 20 mM acid ΔcatA2 replacement by diagnostic colony PCR amplification of a 2,057 bp product with primer pair oCJ086/oCJ091 and a 1,761 benzoate + ΔpcaHG::Ptac:praAH bp product with primer pair oCJ061/oCJ087. 20 mM Glucose ΔcatBCA::Ptac:xylEGH 14: (2E)-2-hydroxypenta- CJ270 P. putida KT2440 catBCA was replaced with Ptac:xylEGF in CJ146 with pCJ064. This strain was confirmed to contain this gene M9 + 20 mM 2,4-dienoic acid ΔcatA2 replacement by diagnostic colony PCR amplification of a 2,057 bp product with primer pair oCJ086/oCJ091 and a 1,869 benzoate + ΔpcaHG::Ptac:praAH bp product with primer pair oCJ062/oCJ087. 20 mM Glucose ΔcatBCA::Ptac:xylEGF 15: 4-hydroxy-2- CJ268 P. putida KT2440 catBCA was replaced with Ptac:xylEGFJIH in CJ146 with pCJ065. This strain was confirmed to contain this gene M9 + 20 mM oxopentanoic acid ΔcatA2 replacement by diagnostic colony PCR amplification of a 2,057 bp product with primer pair oCJ086/oCJ091 and a 1,330 benzoate + ΔpcaHG::Ptac:praAH bp product with primer pair oCJ070/oCJ087. 20 mM Glucose ΔcatBCA::Ptac:xylEGFJIH

TABLE 3 Primer Sequences SEQ Primer ID:NO Sequence (5′→3′) Description oCJ038  72 ccgaaaagtgccacctGACGTCcttcatcgccggcctg catA2 replacement 5′ homology F with AatII and pCM433 overlap oCJ039  73 GCCGCagctcgAGATCTgtcttgttctgttcggttcagg catA2 replacement 5′ homology R with BglII and 3′ overlap oCJ040  74 AGATCTcgagctGCGGCCGCtccaccgagtqggctg catA2 replacement 3′ homology F with NotI and 5′ overlap oCJ041  75 gctggatcctctagtGAGCTCggttttcatgggcttcatggc catA2 replacement 3′ homology R with SacI and pCM433 overlap oCJ042  76 ccgaaaagtgccacctGACGTCcctgttgctcgatcaacgc catBCA replacement 5′ homology F with AatII and pCM433 overlap oCJ043  77 tcataAGATCTctcctgtgtgaaattgttatccgctcacaattccacacat catBCA replacement 5′ homology R with Ptac, BglII and xylE overlap tatacgagccgatgattaattgtcaacagctctgttgccaggtcccgtc oCJ044  78 aggagAGATCTtatgaacaaaggtgtaatgcgacc xylE F with BglII and 5′ overlap oCJ045  79 cgaacGCGGCCGCgcaataagtcgtaccggaccatc xylE R with NotI and 3′ overlap oCJ046  80 attqcGCGGCCGCgttcgaggttatqtcactqtgattttg catBCA replacement 3′ homology F with NotI and xylE overlap oCJ047  81 gctggatcctctagtGAGCTCcgcctgctccaggttg catBCA replacement 3′ homology R with SacI and pCM433 overlap oCJ048  82 cgaacGCGGCCGCgcaattcagcgtctgaccttgctg xylH R with NotI and 3′ overlap oCJ054  83 ATCGGCTCGTATAATGTGTGG Diagnostic: pTac F oCJ055  84 TCCGCTCACAATTCCACAC Diagnostic: pTac R oCJ061  85 AATTTCGGCCCGCTGATC Diagnostic: xylG F oCJ062  86 GCAGCAAAGCCCTGAAATC Diagnostic: xylF F oCJ070  87 AACATCACCGTGCGCTAC Diagnostic: xylI F oCJ084  88 CCTCAATGGCTTTGCCAG Diagnostic: BenK F oCJ085  89 GTACAACACACTGCCAGC Diagnostic: BenE2 R oCJ086  90 TGTGGGCATGGTGTGTTC Diagnostic: catR F oCJ087  91 TCTICAAAGCGTCCGGIG Diagnostic: catBCA 3′ homology R oCJ091  92 ACGAAGGCACCGCTAATG Diagnostic: xylG R oCJ100  93 ccgaaaagtgccacctGACGTCggccttgctgctgcag pcaGH deletion 5′ homology F with AatII and pCM433 overlap oCJ101  94 GCCGCagctcgAGATCTggaattgtgagaacgcctgg pcaGH deletion 5′ homology R with BglII and 3′ overlap oCJ102  95 AGATCTcgagctGCGGCCGCqqtgaagcttgqqqcc pcaGH deletion 3′ homology F with NotI and 5′ overlap oCJ103  96 gctggatcctctagtGAGCTCacgatttccccattgccag pcaGH deletion 3′ homology R with SacI and pCM433 overlap oCJ106  97 ATCTTGAACCAACGCACC Diagnostic: PP_4567 outside homology F oCJ107  98 CACAAGGCAATCCTGATCG Diagnostic: trmA R outside homology F oCJ154  99 ggcgttctcacaattccAGATCTgagctgttgacaattaatcatcggctcg ligABCI fragment F with BglII, Ptac and overlap with pcaHG 5′ homology tataatgtgtggaattgtgagcggataacaatttcacacAGGAGGACAGCT atgaccgagaagaaagaacgcatcg oCJ155 100 gcggccccaagcttcaccGCGGCCGCtcagacgtacttcaggccctc ligUJK fragment R with NotI and overlap with pcaHG 3′ homology oCJ157 101 tcacatttcctccgaccagtacag ligABCI fragment R and ligUJK fragment overlap oCJ158 102 actggtcggaggaaatgtgaAGGAGGACAGCTatgccaggc ligUJK fragment F and ligABCI overlap oCJ251 103 ccaggcgttctcacaattccAGATCTgagctgttgacaattaatcatcgg Ptac:praAH(opt P.p.) F with pCJ011 overlap oCJ252 104 gagcggccccaagcttcaccGCGGCCGCt Ptac:praAH(opt P.p.) R with pCJ011 overlap oCJ289 105 CTAACTCACATTAATTGCGTTGCGCTCACTG pK18mobsacB around the world R oCJ330 106 gcccaggcgttctcacaattcc lig operon F with ΔpcaHG upstream targeting overlap oCJ331 107 cgcagagcggccccaagcttcaccGCGGCCGCtcaggcctgggccagg ligB R with ΔpcaHG upstream targeting overlap oCJ332 108 cgcagagcggccccaagcttcaccGCGGCCGCtcagccctgcttttccagc ligC R with ΔpcaHG upstream targeting overlap tg oCJ333 109 cgcagagcggccccaagcttcaccGCGGCCGCtcacatttcctccgaccag tacagg ligI R with ΔpcaHG upstream targeting overlap oCJ334 110 cgcagagcggccccaagcttcaccGCGGCCGCtcagccgaacacgatgccg ligU R with ΔpcaHG upstream targeting overlap SEQ ID:NO Sequence (5′→3′) Description 111 cgcagagcggccccaagcttcaccGCGGCCGCtcacaggccacgggctttc ligJ R with ΔpcaHG upstream targeting overlap a 112 aactggagcgggatctgatggc xylE F (partial) with xylE upstream targeting overlap 113 aatcacagtgacataacctcgaacGCGGCCGCtcaaagtttcacacagatg xylG R with ΔcatBCA downstream targeting overlap tttttcagctcgg 114 ggtgtgcctcctgaagaagaggccgCCCGGGcagggcggccggatggctca xylG R with xyIH overlap aagtttcacacagatgtttttcagctcgg 115 tgacataacctcgaacGCGGCC ΔcatBCA downstream targeting overlap 116 aatcacagtgacataacctcgaacGCGGCCGCtcaggaatggagggcgtcg xylF R with ΔcatBCA downstream targeting overlap g 117 tcatgcctgttgctccttcagatgaagcgcacggaggc xylJ R with xylI overlap 118 gcgcttcatctgaaggagcaacaggcatgaatcgtacc xylI F with xylJ overlap 119 GAATTCctgcagtctagaGGATCCctagcttcacgctgccgcaag pK18mobsacB around the world F with EcoRI XbaI PstI BamHI sites 120 cgcaacgcaattaatgtgagttagGAATTCgtgcttcggctccctgatgat Targeting upstream of pcaB F with pK18mobsacB overlap 121 tcacggtGCGGCCGCttaatcatcatggtgcaggtacgccg Targeting upstream of pcaB R with targeting downstream of pcaC overlap 122 caccatgatgattaaGCGGCCGCaccgtgatcacgggcagg Targeting downstream of pcaC F with targeting upstream of pcaB overlap 123 gtgcttgcggcagcgtgaagctagGGATCCgaaccgctatatcaagggtga Targeting downstream of pcaC R with pK18mobsacB overlap caacgtc 124 cgcaacgcaattaatgtgagttagGAATTCgcgcgatgccctcgatttgat Targeting upstream of pcaD F with pK18mobsacB overlap 125 tcacggtGCGGCCGCtcaggcagtgaaacgttgatgttcgg Targeting upstream of pcaD R with targeting downstream of pcaC overlap 126 gtttcactgcctgaGCGGCCGCaccgtgatcacgggcagg Targeting downstream of pcaC F with targeting upstream of pcaD overlap 127 cagagcggccccaagcttcaccGCGGCCGCttagctgacgaaggagatgat praA R with pCJ011 overlap ggcg 128 CTGATGATCTCGGTGCTG Diagnostic: outside targeting region upstream of pcaB 129 GACTTCAACTTCGCCACC Diagnostic: PCR outside targeting region downstream of pcaC 130 tgtcctcaGCGGCCGCtcaggcagtgaaacgttgatgttcgg Targeting upstream of pcaD R with targeting downstream of pcaD overlap 131 gtttcactgcctgaGCGGCCGCtgaggacaacgccatggacgag Targeting downstream of pcaD F with targeting upstream of pcaD overlap 132 gtgcttgcggcagcgtgaagctagGGATCCaacagggaggcacaacaatga Targeting downstream of pcaD R with pK18mobsacB overlap aaaCCC 133 cgcaacgcaattaatgtgagttagGAATTCgtagttgtcgcccgactcgg Targeting upstream of pcaI F with pK18mobsacB overlap 134 gtcttcctggaGCGGCCGCggttgttcctggagttgtggttgtc Targeting upstream of pcaI R with targeting downstream of pcaJ overlap 135 caggaacaaccGCGGCCGCtccaggaagacttagggctttccatg Targeting downstream of pcaJ F with targeting upstream of pcaI overlap 136 gtgcttgcggcagcgtgaagctagGGATCCtgaccacagccacccagtgc Targeting downstream of pcaJ R with pK18mobsacB overlap 137 CCCAGCCCATGCTGAATTTG Diagnostic: outisde targeting region upstream of pcal F 138 CGATTGCGCCATGAACAG Diagnostic: outside targeting region upstream of pcal F 139 agtgagcgcaacgcaattaatgtgagttagGAATTCgcccgcggcaacacc galBCD upstream targeting F with pK18mobsacBmod overlap 140 agcaaccattgatgagGCGGCCGCtggcctgtgcagggcactaatg galBCD upstream targeting R with NotI and downstream targeting overlap 141 aggccaGCGGCCGCctcatcaatggttgcttggggtttcaaaaatg galBCD downstream targeting F with NotI and upstream targeting overlap 142 ccctgagtgcttgcggcagcgtgaagctagGGATCCgacaccccccggcgt galBCD downstream targeting R with pK18mobsacBmod targeting g overlap 143 GAAGCAGTTGTCGAGCAG Diagnostic: outside galBCD upstream targeting region F 144 ATTGGTGAAAACCCGCAG Diagnostic: outside galBCD downstream targeting region R 145 tgaacgcattagtgccctgcacaggccaGCgagctgttgacaattaatcat cggctcgtataatgtgtggaattgtgagcggataacaatttcacACTAGTC galD F with Ptac, RBS, and upstream targeting overlap CTAAGGAGATCTAAatgggccagacccgcatacc 146 ccctgagtgcttgcggcagcgtgaagctagGGATCCtcacttctccggccc galD R with BamHI pK18mobsacBmod overlap aCCC 147 tgtgagcggataacaatttcacACTAGTTAAGGGGGAAAAatgacatcctg galB F with RBS and Ptac overlap cgcccaccc 148 aggcagggtatgcgggtctggcccatTTTTTCCTCCGTtcatgccaggttc galB R with RBS and galD overlap tccgtcacg

TABLE 4 Protocatechuate 4,5 meta-cleavage pathway EC Number Enzyme Name Example NCBI-Protein Genbank Nucleotide 1.13.11.8 protocatechuate 4,5- LigA, Sphingobium sp. SYK-6 WP_014075577.1 n/a, optimized sequence dioxygenase LigB, Sphingobium sp. SYK-6 WP_014075576.1 n/a, optimized sequence 1.1.1.312 4-carboxy-2- LigC, Sphingobium sp. SYK-6 WP_014075575.1 n/a, optimized sequence hydroxymuconate-6- semialdehyde dehydrogenase 3.1.1.57 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic LigI, Sphingobium sp. SYK-6 WP_014075583.1 n/a, optimized sequence acid hydrolase 5.3.2.8 4-oxalomesaconate LigU, Sphingobium sp. SYK-6 WP_014075582.1 n/a, optimized sequence tautomerase (YP_004834388.1) 4.2.1.83 4-oxalomesaconate LigJ, Sphingobium sp. SYK-6 WP_014075578.1 n/a, optimized sequence hydratase 4.1.3.17, 4-Carboxy-4-hydroxy-2- LigK, Sphingobium sp. SYK-6 WP_014075581.1 n/a, optimized sequence 1.1.1.38/ oxoadipate (YP_004834387.1) 4.1.1.3 aldolase/oxaloacetate decarboxylase 5.3.2.8 4-oxalomesaconate GalD (PP_2513), Pseudomonas NP_744661.1 NC_002947.3:2860243 . . . 2861328 tautomerase putida KT2440 complement 4.2.1.83 4-oxalomesaconate GalB (PP_2515), Pseudomonas NP_744663.1 NC_002947.3:2862044 . . . 2862820 hydratase putida KT2440 complement 4.1.3.17, 4-Carboxy-4-hydroxy-2- GalC (PP_2514), Pseudomonas NP_744662.1 NC_002947.3:2861331 . . . 2862047 1.1.1.38/ oxoadipate putida KT2440 complement 4.1.1.3 aldolase/oxaloacetate decarboxylase

TABLE 5 Catechol and protocatechuate ortho-cleavage pathways EC Number Enzyme Name Example NCBI-Protein Genbank Nucleotide 1.13.11.1 catechol 1,2-dioxygenase CatA, Pseudomonas putida NP_745846.1 NC_002947.3:4235833 . . . 4236768 KT2440 complement 1.13.11.1 catechol 1,2-dioxygenase CatA2 (PP_3166), NP_745310.1 NC_002947.3:3587162 . . . 3588076 Pseudomonas putida KT2440 5.5.1.1 muconate cycloisomerase CatB, Pseudomonas putida NP_745848.1 NC_002947.3:4237124 . . . 4238245 KT2440 complement 5.3.3.4 muconolactone isomerase CatC, Pseudomonas putida NP_745847.1 NC_002947.3:4236812 . . . 4237102 KT2440 complement 1.13.11.3 protocatechuate 3,4- PcaH, Pseudomonas putida NP_746765.1 NC_002947.3:5281619 . . . 5282338 dioxygenase KT2440 complement PcaG, Pseudomonas putida NP_746764.1 NC_002947.3:5281003 . . . 5281608 KT2440 complement 5.5.1.2 3-carboxy-cis,cis-muconate PcaB, Pseudomonas putida NP_743538.1 NC_002947.3:1571875 . . . 1573227 cycloisomerase KT2440 4.1.1.44 4-carboxymuconolactone PcaC, Pseudomonas putida NP_743540.1 NC_002947.3:1574041 . . . 1574433 decarboxylase KT2440 3.1.1.24 3-oxoadipate enol-lactonase PcaD, Pseudomonas putida NP_743539.1 NC_002947.3:1573239 . . . 1574030 KT2440 2.8.3.6 3-oxoadipate CoA- PcaI, Pseudomonas putida NP_746081.1 NC_002947.3:4457362 . . . 4458057 transferase KT2440 PcaJ, Pseudomonas putida NP_746082.1 NC_002947.3:4458066 . . . 4458707 KT2440 2.3.1.174 beta-ketoadipyl CoA thiolase PcaF, Pseudomonas putida NP_743536.1 NC_002947.3:1569186 . . . 1570388 KT2440

TABLE 6 Catechol meta-cleavage and protocatechuate 2,3 meta-cleavage pathways EC Number Enzyme Name Example NCBI-Protein Genbank Nucleotide 1.13.11.— protocatechuate 2,3- PraA Paenibacillus sp. BAH79099.1 n/a, optimized sequence dioxygenase JJ-1b — 5-carboxy-2- PraH, Paenibacillus sp. BAH79106.1 n/a, optimized sequence hydroxymuconate-6- JJ-1b semialdehyde decarboxylase 1.13.11.2 catechol 2,3 dioxygenase XylE, Pseudomonas NP_542866.1 AJ344068.1:50914 . . . 51837 putida mt-2 complement 3.7.1.9 2-hydroxymuconic XylF, Pseudomonas NP_542864.1 AJ344068.1:48563 . . . 49408 semialdehyde hydrolase putida mt-2 complement 1.2.1.85 XylG, Pseudomonas NP_542865.1 AJ344068.1:49419 . . . 50879 putida mt-2 complement 5.3.2.6 4-Oxalocrotonate XylH, Pseudomonas NP_542859.1 AJ344068.1:44734 . . . 44925 Tautomerase putida mt-2 complement 4.1.1.77 4-oxalocrotonate XylI, Pseudomonas NP_542860.1 AJ344068.1:44975 . . . 45769 decarboxylase putida mt-2 complement 4.2.1.80 2-hydroxypent-2,4-dienoate XylJ, Pseudomonas NP_542863.1 AJ344068.1:47883 . . . 48551 hydratase putida mt-2 complement 4.1.3.39 4-hydroxy-2-ketovalerate XylK, Pseudomonas NP_542861.1 AJ344068.1:45766 . . . 46803 aldolase putida mt-2 complement 1.2.1.10 acetaldehyde dehydrogenase XylQ Pseudomonas NP_542862.1 AJ344068.1:46814 . . . 47752 putida mt-2 complement Note: XylG is a 2-hydroxymuconate semialdehyde dehydrogenase.

EXAMPLES Protocatechuate 4,5 Meta-Cleavage Pathways Example 1

A microbial cell comprising: a first genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous dioxygenase; and a gene encoding an exogenous dioxygenase, wherein: the microbial cell is capable of growth utilizing at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and the microbial cell is capable of producing a target molecule.

Example 2

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the endogenous dioxygenase comprises a protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase.

Example 3

The microbial cell of Example 2, wherein the protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase comprises PcaH.

Example 4

The microbial cell of Example 2, wherein the protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase comprises PcaG.

Example 5

The microbial cell of Example 2, wherein the protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase is PcaH and PcaG.

Example 6

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the exogenous dioxygenase comprises a protocatechute 3,4-dioxygenase.

Example 7

The microbial cell of Example 6, wherein the protocatechute 3,4-dioxygenase comprises LigA.

Example 8

The microbial cell of Example 6, wherein the protocatechute 3,4-dioxygenase comprises LigB.

Example 9

The microbial cell of Example 6, wherein the protocatechute 3,4-dioxygenase is LigA and LigB.

Example 10

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the gene is operably linked to a promoter.

Example 11

The microbial cell of Example 10, wherein the promoter is Ptac.

Example 12

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the target molecule is 2-hydroxy-2H-pyran-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (molecule #1).

Example 13

The microbial cell of Example 1, further comprising a gene encoding an exogenous dehydrogenase.

Example 14

The microbial cell of Example 13, wherein the exogenous dehydrogenase comprises a 4-carboxy-2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde dehydrogenase.

Example 15

The microbial cell of Example 14, wherein the 4-carboxy-2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde is LigC.

Example 16

The microbial cell of Example 13, wherein the target molecule is 2-oxo-2H-pyran-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (molecule #2).

Example 17

The microbial cell of Example 13, further comprising:

a second genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous tautomerase; and

a gene encoding an exogenous hydrolase.

Example 18

The microbial cell of Example 17, wherein the exogenous hydrolase comprises a 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid hydrolase.

Example 19

The microbial cell of Example 18, wherein the 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid hydrolase is LigI.

Example 20

The microbial cell of Example 17, wherein the endogenous tautomerase comprises a 4-oxalomesaconate tautomerase.

Example 21

The microbial cell of Example 20, wherein the 4-oxalomesaconate tautomerase is GalD.

Example 22

The microbial cell of Example 17, wherein the second genetic modification further results in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous hydratase.

Example 23

The microbial cell of Example 22, wherein the endogenous hydratase comprises a 4-oxalomesaconate hydratase.

Example 24

The microbial cell of Example 23, wherein the 4-oxalomesaconate hydratase is GalB.

Example 25

The microbial cell of Example 22, wherein the second genetic modification further results in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous decarboxylase.

Example 26

The microbial cell of Example 25, wherein the endogenous decarboxylase comprises a 4-carboxy-4-hydroxy-2-oxoadipate aldolase/oxaloacetate decarboxylase.

Example 27

The microbial cell of Example 26, wherein the 4-carboxy-4-hydroxy-2-oxoadipate aldolase/oxaloacetate decarboxylase is GalC.

Example 28

The microbial cell of Example 17, wherein the second genetic modification further results in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous hydratase and a deficient form of an endogenous decarboxylase.

Example 29

The microbial cell of Example 28, wherein the endogenous hydratase is GalB and the endogenous decarboxylase is GalC.

Example 30

The microbial cell of Example 28, wherein the target molecule is (1E,3E)-4-hydroxybuta-1,3-diene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (molecule #3).

Example 31

The microbial cell of Example 28, further comprising a gene encoding an exogeneous tautomerase.

Example 32

The microbial cell of Example 31, wherein the exogenous tautomerase comprises a 4-oxalomesaconate tautomerase.

Example 33

The microbial cell of Example 32, wherein the 4-oxalomesaconate tautomerase is LigU.

Example 34

The microbial cell of Example 31, wherein the target molecule is (1E)-4-oxobut-1-ene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (molecule #4).

Example 35

The microbial cell of Example 31, further comprising a gene encoding an exogenous hydratase.

Example 36

The microbial cell of Example 35, wherein the exogenous hydratase comprises a 4-oxalomesaconate hydratase.

Example 37

The microbial cell of Example 36, wherein the 4-oxalomesaconate hydratase is LigJ.

Example 38

The microbial cell of Example 35, wherein the target molecule is 2-hydroxy-4-oxobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (molecule #5).

Example 39

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the microbial cell is from at least one of a fungus, a bacterium, or a yeast.

Example 40

The microbial cell of Example 39, wherein the microbial cell is from a bacterium.

Example 41

The microbial cell of Example 40, wherein the bacterium is from the genus Psuedomonas.

Example 42

The microbial cell of Example 41, wherein the bacterium comprises a strain from at least one of P. putida, P. fluorescens, or P. stutzeri.

Example 43

The microbial cell of Example 42, wherein the strain comprises P. putida KT2440.

Example 44

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the cellulose decomposition molecule comprises a sugar molecule.

Example 45

The microbial cell of Example 44, wherein the sugar molecule comprises at least one of D-xylose or D-glucose.

Example 46

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the lignin decomposition molecule comprises an aromatic molecule.

Example 47

The microbial cell of Example 46, wherein the aromatic molecule comprises at least one of protocatechuate, ferulate, p-coumarate, vanillate, or 4-hydroxybenzoate

Example 48

The microbial cell of Example 47, wherein the aromatic molecule comprises protocatechuate.

Example 49

The microbial cell of Example 46, wherein the aromatic molecule comprises at least one of catechol, protocatechuate, benzoate, phenol, or guaiacol.

Example 50

The microbial cell of Example 49, wherein the aromatic molecule comprises catechol and protocatechuate.

Example 51

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the first genetic modification comprises at least one of a full deletion of the endogenous dioxygenase, a partial deletion of the endogenous dioxygenase, an insertion into the endogenous dioxygenase, or a replacement of the endogenous dioxygenase.

Example 52

The microbial cell of Example 1, further comprising a gene encoding an exogenous carboxylase.

Example 53

The microbial cell of Example 52, wherein the exogenous carboxylase is AroY.

EXAMPLES Catechol and Protocatechuate Ortho-Cleavage Pathways Example 1

A microbial cell comprising a genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous enol-lactonase, wherein:

the microbial cell is capable of growth utilizing at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and

the microbial cell is capable of producing a target molecule.

Example 2

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the endogenous enol-lactonase comprises a 3-oxoadipate enol-lactonase.

Example 3

The microbial cell of Example 2, wherein the 3-oxoadipate enol-lactonase is PcaD.

Example 4

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the target molecule is 2-(2-oxo-3H-furan-5-yl)acetic acid (molecule #8).

Example 5

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the genetic modification further results in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous decarboxylase.

Example 6

The microbial cell of Example 5, wherein the endogenous decarboxylase comprises a 4-carboxymuconolactone decarboxylase.

Example 7

The microbial cell of Example 6, wherein the 4-carboxymuconolactone decarboxylase is PcaC.

Example 8

The microbial cell of Example 5, wherein the target molecule is 2-carboxy-5-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-carboxylic acid (molecule #7).

Example 9

The microbial cell of Example 5, wherein the genetic modification further results in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous cycloisomerase.

Example 10

The microbial cell of Example 9, wherein the endogenous cycloisomerase comprises a 3-carboxy-cis,cis-muconate cycloisomerase.

Example 11

The microbial cell of Example 10, wherein the 3-carboxy-cis,cis-muconate cycloisomerase is PcaB.

Example 12

The microbial cell of Example 9, wherein the target molecule is (1E, 3Z)-buta-1,3-diene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (molecule #6).

Example 13

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the microbial cell is from at least one of a fungus, a bacterium, or a yeast.

Example 14

The microbial cell of Example 13, wherein the microbial cell is from a bacterium.

Example 15

The microbial cell of Example 14, wherein the bacterium is from the genus Psuedomonas.

Example 16

The microbial cell of Example 15, wherein the bacterium comprises a strain from at least one of P. putida, P. fluorescens, or P. stutzeri.

Example 17

The microbial cell of Example 16, wherein the strain comprises P. putida KT2440.

Example 18

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the cellulose decomposition molecule comprises a sugar molecule.

Example 19

The microbial cell of Example 18, wherein the sugar molecule comprises at least one of D-xylose or D-glucose.

Example 20

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the lignin decomposition molecule comprises an aromatic molecule.

Example 21

The microbial cell of Example 20, wherein the aromatic molecule comprises at least one of protecatechuate, ferulate, p-coumarate, vanillate, or 4-hydroxybenzoate

Example 22

The microbial cell of Example 21, wherein the aromatic molecule comprises protocatechuate.

Example 23

The microbial cell of Example 20, wherein the aromatic molecule comprises at least one of catechol, protecatechuate, benzoate, phenol, or guaiacol.

Example 24

The microbial cell of Example 23, wherein the aromatic molecule comprises catechol and protocatechuate.

Example 25

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the genetic modification comprises at least one of a full deletion of the endogenous enol-lactonase, a partial deletion of the endogenous enol-lactonase, an insertion into the endogenous enol-lactonase, or a replacement of the endogenous enol-lactonase.

Example 26

The microbial cell of Example 1, further comprising a gene encoding an exogenous carboxylase.

Example 27

The microbial cell of Example 26, wherein the exogenous carboxylase is AroY.

Example 28

A microbial cell comprising a genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous transferase, wherein:

the microbial cell is capable of growth utilizing at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and

the microbial cell is capable of producing a target molecule.

Example 29

The microbial cell of Example 28, wherein the endogenous transferase comprises a 3-oxoadipate CoA-transferase.

Example 30

The microbial cell of Example 29, wherein the 3-oxoadipate CoA-transferase comprises PcaI.

Example 31

The microbial cell of Example 29, wherein the 3-oxoadipate CoA-transferase comprises PcaJ.

Example 32

The microbial cell of Example 29, wherein the 3-oxoadipate CoA-transferase is PcaI and PcaJ.

Example 33

The microbial cell of Example 28, wherein the target molecule is 3-oxohexanedioic acid (molecule #9).

Example 34

The microbial cell of Example 28, wherein the microbial cell is from at least one of a fungus, a bacterium, or a yeast.

Example 35

The microbial cell of Example 34, wherein the microbial cell is from a bacterium.

Example 36

The microbial cell of Example 35, wherein the bacterium is from the genus Psuedomonas.

Example 37

The microbial cell of Example 36, wherein the bacterium comprises a strain from at least one of P. putida, P. fluorescens, or P. stutzeri.

Example 38

The microbial cell of Example 37, wherein the strain comprises P. putida KT2440.

Example 39

The microbial cell of Example 28, wherein the cellulose decomposition molecule comprises a sugar molecule.

Example 40

The microbial cell of Example 39, wherein the sugar molecule comprises at least one of D-xylose or D-glucose.

Example 41

The microbial cell of Example 28, wherein the lignin decomposition molecule comprises an aromatic molecule.

Example 42

The microbial cell of Example 41, wherein the aromatic molecule comprises at least one of protecatechuate, ferulate, p-coumarate, vanillate, or 4-hydroxybenzoate

Example 43

The microbial cell of Example 42, wherein the aromatic molecule comprises protocatechuate.

Example 44

The microbial cell of Example 41, wherein the aromatic molecule comprises at least one of catechol, protocatechuate, benzoate, phenol, or guaiacol.

Example 45

The microbial cell of Example 44, wherein the aromatic molecule comprises catechol and protocatechuate.

Example 46

The microbial cell of Example 28, wherein the genetic modification comprises at least one of a full deletion of the endogenous transferase, a partial deletion of the endogenous transferase, an insertion into the endogenous transferase, or a replacement of the endogenous transferase.

Example 47

The microbial cell of Example 28, further comprising a gene encoding an exogenous carboxylase.

Example 48

The microbial cell of Example 47, wherein the exogenous carboxylase is AroY.

EXAMPLES Catechol Meta-Cleavage and Protocatechuate 2,3 Meta-Cleavage Pathways Example 1

A microbial cell comprising:

-   -   a first genetic modification resulting in the expression of a         deficient form of a first endogenous dioxygenase; and     -   a gene encoding a first exogenous dioxygenase, wherein:

the microbial cell is capable of growth utilizing at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and

the microbial cell is capable of producing a target molecule.

Example 2

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the first endogenous dioxygenase comprises a protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase.

Example 3

The microbial cell of Example 2, wherein the protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase comprises PcaH.

Example 4

The microbial cell of Example 2, wherein the protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase comprises PcaG.

Example 5

The microbial cell of Example 2, wherein the protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase is PcaH and PcaG.

Example 6

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the first exogenous dioxygenase comprises a protocatechuate 2,3-dioxygenase.

Example 7

The microbial cell of Example 6, wherein the protocatechuate 2,3-dioxygenase is PraA.

Example 8

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the gene is operably linked to a first promoter.

Example 9

The microbial cell of Example 8, wherein the first promoter is Ptac.

Example 10

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the target molecule is (2E,4E)-2-formyl-5-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienedioic acid (molecule #10).

Example 11

The microbial cell of Example 1, further comprising a gene encoding an exogenous decarboxylase.

Example 12

The microbial cell of Example 11, wherein the exogenous decarboxylase comprises a 5-carboxy-2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde decarboxylase.

Example 13

The microbial cell of Example 12, wherein the 5-carboxy-2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde decarboxylase is PraH.

Example 14

The microbial cell of Example 11, further comprising a second genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of a second endogenous dioxygenase.

Example 15

The microbial cell of Example 14, wherein the second endogenous dioxygenase comprises a catechol 1,2-dioxygenase.

Example 16

The microbial cell of Example 15, wherein the catechol 1,2-dioxygenase is CatA2.

Example 17

The microbial cell of Example 14, further comprising a third genetic modification resulting in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous cycloisomerase.

Example 18

The microbial cell of Example 17, wherein the endogenous cycloisomerase comprises a muconate cycloisomerase.

Example 19

The microbial cell of Example 18, wherein the muconate cycloisomerase is CatB.

Example 20

The microbial cell of Example 17, wherein the third genetic modification further results in the expression of a deficient form of an endogenous isomerase.

Example 21

The microbial cell of Example 20, wherein the endogenous isomerase comprises a muconolactone isomerase.

Example 22

The microbial cell of Example 21, wherein the muconolactone isomerase is CatC.

Example 23

The microbial cell of Example 17, wherein the third genetic modification further results in the expression of a deficient form of a third endogenous dioxygenase.

Example 24

The microbial cell of Example 23, wherein the third endogenous dioxygenase is CatA.

Example 25

The microbial cell of Example 23, further comprising a gene encoding a second exogenous dioxygenase.

Example 26

The microbial cell of Example 25, wherein the second exogenous dioxygenase comprises a catechol 2,3-dioxygenase.

Example 27

The microbial cell of Example 26, wherein the catechol 2,3-dioxygenase sequence is XylE.

Example 28

The microbial cell of Example 25, wherein the gene encoding the second exogenous dioxygenase is operably linked to a second promoter.

Example 29

The microbial cell of Example 28, wherein the second promoter is Ptac.

Example 30

The microbial cell of Example 28, wherein the target molecule is (2Z,4E)-2-hydroxy-6-oxohexa-2,4-dienoic acid (molecule #11).

Example 31

The microbial cell of Example 28, further comprising a gene encoding an exogenous dehydrogenase.

Example 32

The microbial cell of Example 31, wherein the exogenous dehydrogenase comprises a 2-hydroxymuconate semialdehyde dehydrogenase.

Example 33

The microbial cell of Example 32, wherein the 2-hydroxymuconate semialdehyde dehydrogenase is XylG.

Example 34

The microbial cell of Example 31, wherein the target molecule is (2Z,4E)-2-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienedioic acid (molecule #12).

Example 35

The microbial cell of Example 31, further comprising a gene encoding an exogenous tautomerase.

Example 36

The microbial cell of Example 35, wherein the exogenous tautomerase comprises a 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase.

Example 37

The microbial cell of Example 36, wherein the 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase is XylH.

Example 38

The microbial cell of Example 35, wherein the target molecule is (3E)-2-oxohex-3-enedioic acid (molecule #13).

Example 39

The microbial cell of Example 28, further comprising a gene encoding an exogenous hydrolase.

Example 40

The microbial cell of Example 39, wherein the exogenous hydrolase comprises 2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde hydrolase.

Example 41

The microbial cell of Example 40, wherein the 2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde hydrolase is XylF.

Example 42

The microbial cell of Example 39, wherein the target molecule is (2E)-2-hydroxypenta-2,4-dienoic acid (molecule #14).

Example 43

The microbial cell of Example 35, further comprising a gene encoding an exogenous hydratase.

Example 44

The microbial cell of Example 43, wherein the exogenous hydratase comprises a 2-hydroxypent-2,4-dienoate hydratase.

Example 45

The microbial cell of Example 39, wherein the 2-hydroxypent-2,4-dienoate hydratase is XylJ.

Example 46

The microbial cell of Example 43, further comprising a gene encoding an exogenous decarboxylase.

Example 47

The microbial cell of Example 46, wherein the exogenous decarboxylase comprises a 4-oxalocrotonate decarboxylase.

Example 48

The microbial cell of Example 47, wherein the 4-oxalocrotonate decarboxylase is XylI.

Example 49

The microbial cell of Example 46, further comprising a gene encoding an exogenous hydrolase.

Example 50

The microbial cell of Example 49, wherein the exogenous hydrolase comprises a 2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde hydrolase.

Example 51

The microbial cell of Example 45, wherein the 2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde hydrolase is XylF.

Example 52

The microbial cell of Example 49, wherein the target molecule is 4-hydroxy-2-oxopentanoic acid (molecule #15).

Example 53

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the microbial cell is from at least one of a fungus, a bacterium, or a yeast.

Example 54

The microbial cell of Example 53, wherein the microbial cell is from a bacterium.

Example 55

The microbial cell of Example 54, wherein the bacterium is from the genus Psuedomonas.

Example 56

The microbial cell of Example 55, wherein the bacterium comprises a strain from at least one of P. putida, P. fluorescens, or P. stutzeri.

Example 57

The microbial cell of Example 56, wherein the strain comprises P. putida KT2440.

Example 58

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the cellulose decomposition molecule comprises a sugar molecule.

Example 59

The microbial cell of Example 58, wherein the sugar molecule comprises at least one of D-xylose or D-glucose.

Example 60

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the lignin decomposition molecule comprises an aromatic molecule.

Example 61

The microbial cell of Example 60, wherein the aromatic molecule comprises at least one of protocatechuate, ferulate, p-coumarate, vanillate, or 4-hydroxybenzoate

Example 62

The microbial cell of Example 61, wherein the aromatic molecule comprises protocatechuate.

Example 63

The microbial cell of Example 60, wherein the aromatic molecule comprises at least one of catechol, protocatechuate, benzoate, phenol, or guaiacol.

Example 64

The microbial cell of Example 63, wherein the aromatic molecule comprises catechol and protocatechuate.

Example 65

The microbial cell of Example 1, wherein the first genetic modification comprises at least one of a full deletion of the endogenous transferase, a partial deletion of the endogenous transferase, an insertion into the endogenous transferase, or a replacement of the endogenous transferase.

Example 66

The microbial cell of Example 1, further comprising a gene encoding an exogenous carboxylase.

Example 67

The microbial cell of Example 66, wherein the exogenous carboxylase is AroY.

The foregoing discussion and examples have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the aspects, embodiments, or configurations to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the aspects, embodiments, or configurations are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, or configurations, may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, or configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the aspects, embodiments, or configurations require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. While certain aspects of conventional technology have been discussed to facilitate disclosure of some embodiments of the present invention, the Applicants in no way disclaim these technical aspects, and it is contemplated that the claimed invention may encompass one or more of the conventional technical aspects discussed herein. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate aspect, embodiment, or configuration. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A non-naturally occurring Pseudomonas not capable of expressing 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid hydrolase, and capable of producing 2-oxo-2H-pyran-4,6-dicarboxylic acid, wherein the Pseudomonas is capable of growing on at least one of a cellulose decomposition molecule or a lignin decomposition molecule, and wherein the Pseudomonas lacks the gene encoding for LigI.
 2. The Pseudomonas of claim 1, wherein the Pseudomonas is P. putida KT2440.
 3. The Pseudomonas of claim 1, wherein the cellulose decomposition molecule comprises a sugar molecule.
 4. The Pseudomonas of claim 3, wherein the sugar molecule is at least one of D-xylose or D-glucose.
 5. The Pseudomonas of claim 1, wherein the lignin decomposition molecule comprises an aromatic molecule.
 6. The Pseudomonas of claim 5, wherein the aromatic molecule is at least one of catechol, benzoate, phenol, guaiacol, protecatechuate, ferulate, p-coumarate, vanillate, or 4-hydroxybenzoate.
 7. The Pseudomonas of claim 6, wherein the aromatic molecule is protocatechuate.
 8. The Pseudomonas of claim 1, further comprising an exogenous gene encoding a carboxylase.
 9. The Pseudomonas of claim 8, wherein the exogenous gene encodes for AroY. 